Word
fairly
Phoneticsfair·ly, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈfɛɹɫi/
UK/fˈeəli/
Adverb of degree
Definitions
01moderately
B1 · Intermediate
adv. to a certain degree, but not extremely; quite.
adv. to a moderate degree or extent. As a submodifier, it typically precedes adjectives or other adverbs.
日本語:割と※
“The hotel was fairly cheap, but it was clean and close to the station.”
“The results of the preliminary study were fairly consistent, though a larger sample size is required to confirm the initial findings.”
Usage
Usually placed before the adjective or adverb it modifies.
Pitfall
The test was fairly difficult, so I failed it.
The test was quite difficult, so I failed it.
In many contexts, 'fairly' suggests a positive or manageable level. If something is too difficult to handle, 'quite' or 'very' is more natural.
02justly
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adv. in a way that is honest, equal, and follows the rules.
adv. in a manner that is just, equitable, and free from bias or favouritism.
“The manager promised to treat all the employees fairly during the review.”
“The judge was praised for ensuring that the legal proceedings were conducted fairly and that all evidence was weighed without prejudice.”
Usage
Often follows the verb it modifies.
Synonyms
03completely
C1 · Advanced British English · Informal
adv. used to emphasize that something is completely true or has really happened.
adv. used as an intensifier to emphasize the truth or completeness of a statement.
“By the end of the long hike, the children were fairly exhausted.”
“The audience was fairly mesmerized by the soloist's performance, remaining in total silence until the final note faded.”
Teaching tip
This emphatic use is more common in British English and can sometimes be confused with the 'moderately' sense by learners.
Synonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “fairly” in context.
Adjective
01. fairly common
“It is fairly common for students to feel nervous before a big exam.”
adv + adj
02. fairly consistent
“Her performance at work has been fairly consistent over the last few months.”
adv + adj
03. fairly low
“The cost of living in this small town is still fairly low compared to the city.”
adv + adj
04. fairly representative
“The survey results are fairly representative of the opinions of the general public.”
adv + adj
05. fairly typical
“A rainy afternoon is fairly typical for this time of year in London.”
adv + adj
Etymology
From Middle English fayrly, fayrely, vayrliche, equivalent to fair + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B1 · IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/fairly
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「日本語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0