fairly
/ˈfeəli/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈferli/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈfer-lē/ (ame, mw)
fairly — adverb
1. Between slightly and very on a scale of intensity; used when something is neithe
Between slightly and very on a scale of intensity; used when something is neither weak nor strong in degree, but somewhere in the middle.
The film was fairly entertaining, though the ending felt rushed.
fairly + adjective for moderate degree
Walid's apartment is fairly close to the station, so he walks there most days.
A fairly large crowd had already gathered outside the stadium before noon.
Mateo felt fairly confident about the interview after weeks of preparation.
The instructions were fairly clear, but Lauren still had a few questions.
- quite
similar in meaning; slightly stronger in British English, where it can also mean 'completely'
- rather
can suggest a slightly higher degree than fairly, often with a tone of surprise or contrast
- pretty
informal equivalent; very common in everyday conversation
- moderately
more formal and precise; often used in academic or technical writing
文法句型
fairly + adjective/adverb
用法筆記
Weaker than 'very' but stronger than 'a little'. Commonly modifies adjectives and other adverbs. In informal speech, 'pretty' often replaces 'fairly' (e.g., 'pretty good' instead of 'fairly good').
常見錯誤
2. Used before an action verb to describe something in a way that is not exactly tr
Used before an action verb to describe something in a way that is not exactly true, but makes the picture in your mind stronger or more colourful — for example, saying someone 'fairly flew' down the street to show they ran very fast.
When the bell rang, the children fairly flew out of the classroom door.
fairly + figurative action verb (flew)
Kabir's heart fairly leaped when he saw the job offer in his inbox.
After weeks of neglect, the garden fairly exploded with colour after the first rain.
The old wooden stairs fairly groaned under the weight of the heavy boxes.
Adina's eyes fairly sparkled when she described her plans for the summer trip.
- practically
emphasizes that the figurative description is nearly true in effect
- virtually
similar to 'practically'; used to say something is almost the case
- almost
more general and less dramatic than 'fairly' in this sense
文法句型
fairly + figurative action verb
用法筆記
Typically appears with action verbs in literary or narrative contexts to describe figurative or exaggerated actions. Not used in formal academic writing or with stative verbs that describe thoughts or feelings literally.
常見錯誤
3. Said of actions that are honest, follow the rules, and treat everyone the same w
Said of actions that are honest, follow the rules, and treat everyone the same way, without favouritism or dishonesty.
The referee tried to treat both teams fairly throughout the entire match.
treat + fairly for equal treatment
Obi divided the remaining snacks fairly among everyone at the table.
The company was criticized for not paying its part-time workers fairly.
Mayumi believes the judges will decide fairly based on each singer's performance.
All candidates should be interviewed fairly regardless of their gender or background.
- justly
slightly more formal; emphasizes moral rightness
- honestly
focuses on truthfulness and absence of deceit
- impartially
emphasizes not favouring any side; common in formal and legal contexts
- properly
broader meaning; can refer to following correct procedures
文法句型
verb + fairly
常見錯誤
4. To the fullest extent; used to express a high level of certainty or clarity abou
To the fullest extent; used to express a high level of certainty or clarity about something, meaning there is little or no doubt.
I am fairly certain I locked the front door before we left for the airport.
fairly + certain for high confidence
The outcome of the election was fairly obvious to most political experts.
Joon is fairly convinced that the new plan will work if the team stays patient.
It is fairly clear that the school needs to update its computer equipment.
Putri was fairly certain that her keys were somewhere in the bottom of her bag.
- completely
more direct and widely applicable across many contexts
- quite
in British English, can mean 'completely' in phrases like 'quite certain'
- entirely
formal synonym emphasising wholeness
- perfectly
often used with 'clear' or 'obvious' (e.g., 'perfectly clear')
文法句型
fairly + adjective of certainty/clarity
用法筆記
Restricted to a narrow set of adjectives expressing certainty or clarity: 'certain', 'sure', 'clear', 'obvious', 'convinced'. Not used with adjectives of size, quality, or emotion (e.g. NOT 'fairly tall' in this sense).