fairly

fair·ly

adv \ˈfer-lē\

Definition of FAIRLY

1

: in a handsome manner <a table fairly set>

2

obsolete a : in a gentle manner : quietly b : in a courteous manner

3

: so to speak : nearly, practically <fairly bursting with pride>

4

a : in a proper or legal manner <fairly priced stocks> b : without bias or distortion : impartially <a story told fairly and objectively>

5

: to a full degree or extent : plainly, distinctly <had fairly caught sight of him>

6

: rather 5, moderately <a fairly easy job>

Examples of FAIRLY

1. It's a fairly common disease.
2. I told the story as fairly as possible.
3. He reports fairly on the issues.
4. He beat me fairly and squarely.

First Known Use of FAIRLY

12th century

Related to FAIRLY

Synonyms: enough, kindly [chiefly Southern], kind of, like, moderately, more or less, pretty, quite, rather, relatively, something, somewhat, sort of, a bit, after a sort, a little, a mite, a tad, a touch, of sorts (or of a sort), to a degree

Antonyms: dirty, illegally

Related Words: acceptably, decently, passably, tolerably; little, negligibly, nominally, slightly, vaguely; half, halfway, incompletely, part, partially, partly, partway

Near Antonyms: awfully, beastly, deadly, especially, exceedingly (also exceeding), exceptionally, extremely, frightfully, greatly, heavily, highly, hugely, mightily, mortally, particularly, surpassingly, terribly, very; considerably, extensively, significantly, substantially

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Rhymes with FAIRLY

barely, ferlie, rarely, sparely, squarely