fairly

adverb

fair·​ly ˈfer-lē How to pronounce fairly (audio)
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 sense 5, moderately
a fairly easy job

Examples of fairly in a Sentence

It's a fairly common disease. I told the story as fairly as possible. He reports fairly on the issues. He beat me fairly and squarely.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Other Video Game Adaptations Twisted Metal The number of video game adaptations are fairly limited, and the ones that are actually worth recommending are even fewer. Barry Levitt, Time, 26 May 2025 Ant bites led to Sundae's viral status How did a fairly normal social media page turn into one that showcased Sundae's massive collection of pants, wigs, uniforms, dresses, earrings and other clothing and accessories? Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 26 May 2025 His pair of wins with the superstar came to him fairly early in his rise in a genre that was unfamiliar to him until about a year ago. Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 25 May 2025 Homeowners insurance in Illinois costs an average of $2,149 a year for $300,000 worth of dwelling coverage, fairly close to the national average of $2,329. Liz Knueven, CNBC, 24 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for fairly

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of fairly was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fairly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fairly. Accessed 28 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

fairly

adverb
fair·​ly ˈfa(ə)r-lē How to pronounce fairly (audio)
ˈfe(ə)r-
1
: in a favorable manner
fairly situated
2
: in a manner of speaking : nearly
fairly bursting with pride
3
: in a fair manner : justly
treat each person fairly
4
: for the most part : rather
a fairly easy job

More from Merriam-Webster on fairly

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