Definition

1. Adverb:
   • To a moderately sufficient extent or degree; fairly; reasonably: Indicates that something meets a basic standard or is acceptable, though not exceptional. It describes a level of quality or performance that is adequate or satisfactory.

Usage

• General Use: Used to modify adjectives or other adverbs to indicate a moderate, acceptable degree.
  • The food was passably good. (The food was acceptable or fairly good.)
  • She speaks French passably. (She speaks French to a reasonably competent degree.)
• Position in Sentence: Typically placed before the adjective or adverb it modifies.

Examples

Advanced Usage

• "Passably" vs. "Fairly/Reasonably": While often interchangeable, "passably" can sometimes imply a lower threshold of satisfaction, merely meeting the minimum requirement, whereas "fairly" or "reasonably" might suggest a slightly more positive assessment.
  • The hotel room was passably clean. (It was acceptably clean, but you might still notice some dust.)
  • The hotel room was reasonably clean. (It was quite clean, meeting expectations.)

Variants and Related Words

• Passable (adjective): Just good enough to be acceptable; adequate.
  • The road was rough but passable.
• Impassably (adverb): To such a degree as to be impossible to pass through or overcome.
  • The road was blocked impassably by snow.

Synonyms

• Fairly: To a moderate degree.
• Reasonably: To a fair or acceptable degree.
• Adequately: To a satisfactory or acceptable level.
• Tolerably: To a degree that can be endured or accepted.

Antonyms

• Exceptionally: To an unusually high degree.
• Extremely: To a very high degree.
• Unacceptably: To a degree that is not satisfactory.
• Inadequately: To an insufficient degree.

Notes on Meaning

• The word "passably" focuses on meeting a basic, often minimal, standard. It is frequently used in contexts where the outcome is satisfactory but not impressive. It does not convey strong praise.

Adverb

1. to a moderately sufficient extent or degree
   • pretty big
   • pretty bad
   • jolly decent of him
   • the shoes are priced reasonably
   • he is fairly clever with computers