# fairly

/ˈfɛɹɫi/ (US) · /fˈeəli/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/fairly
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. moderately

adverb · CEFR B1

to a certain degree, but not extremely; quite.

For teachers: to a moderate degree or extent. As a submodifier, it typically precedes adjectives or other adverbs.

- 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.

### 2. justly

adverb · CEFR B2

in a way that is honest, equal, and follows the rules.

For teachers: 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.

### 3. completely

adverb · CEFR C1 · British English · Informal

used to emphasize that something is completely true or has really happened.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The exam was fairly difficult, but I passed.
- The hotel was fairly clean and close to the station, making it a good choice for a short stay.
- While the initial results were fairly promising, the research team cautioned that a larger sample size would be necessary to confirm their hypothesis.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.