fairly

fair-ly · adverb

imported

Definitions

adverb

  1. 1.

    To a moderately high degree; quite or rather.

  2. 2.

    In a just or equitable manner; without bias or favoritism.

  3. 3.

    Actually; positively (used for emphasis).

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    fairly and squarely — honestly and directly; completely
  • •
    fairly sure — reasonably confident

Related words

Antonyms: extremely, unfairly
See also: fair, justly, quite, rather
Synonyms: justly, quite, rather, reasonably

Etymology

From Old English faeger meaning "beautiful, lovely, pleasant" + -ly. The sense evolved from "beautifully" to "properly" to "moderately."