Words / B1

FAIRL-ee/ˈfeəli/

Fairly means to some degree, but not very: fairly hard; fairly common. Quite and pretty are close in UK English; rather can sound more formal or negative. It also means in a just way (treat people fairly). Fair is already in the dictionary. Do not use fairly for “completely” — that is fully or entirely.

Meaning

To some degree, but not very; also in a just way.

Examples

• “The mock was fairly hard, but the final paper was worse.”
• “The panel tried to treat internal and external candidates fairly.”

Good to know

fairly + adjective = quite, not very. Also: treat someone fairly. Not “completely”. Related: fair.

Near in meaning

quite

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