fairly

USAGE SUMMARY

'fairly' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to mean 'to a certain degree or extent, but not extremely', for example: He did fairly well on the exam, considering he had only studied for a few hours.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

For a European island outpost with a population of just 330,000, it was a fairly heroic achievement from which they hope to progress by qualifying for Euro 2016.

The Guardian - Sport

It's a fairly uncommon conceit in television, although I know it has a significant place in theater.

The Guardian

That seems a sensible approach, and for a woman whose life isn't being hugely compromised by some other overwhelming difficulty, it's probably a fairly easy measure to put into place.

The Guardian - Opinion

Geschwindigkeitsbeschränkungen, all 30 letters of it: a very big word for a fairly simple idea (it means speed limits).

The Guardian

"There is a risk that an all-or-nothing approach and the highlighting of dubious cases to prominent news outlets and journalists will preclude legitimate claims from being fairly treated.

The Guardian - Tech

After finding "fibres" on my own hand, I'm fairly satisfied morgellons is some 21st-century genre of OCD spread through the internet and the fibres are – as Wymore's labs report – particles of everyday, miscellaneous stuff: cotton, human hair, rat hair and so on.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Produced by the ministry of foreign affairs, the advert called on the US courts to judge the situation fairly and set a sustainable precedent for other sovereign debt defaults.

The Guardian - Business

Fielding had a tricky time engaging and recording every interaction with a child with Asperger's, while engaging 29 others, some fairly challenging.

The Guardian

Even when Gurlitt's apartment block was built in the 1960s, the area was still fairly poor and edgy.

The Guardian

All in all this suggests a fairly big hit to the budget bottom line.

The Guardian - Business

With the assistance dramatically cut many people in Breckfield and areas like it have lost the right to have legal representation when needed and, in turn, their right to be treated fairly.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fairly" to mean 'somewhat' or 'moderately', ensure the context clarifies the degree. Overuse can weaken the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "fairly" when you mean 'very' or 'extremely'. It indicates a moderate level, not a high one. Saying "fairly certain" suggests less conviction than "very certain."

Linguistic Context

The adverb "fairly" primarily functions as a modifier, indicating the degree or extent to which something is true, accurate, or performed. Ludwig AI confirms that the word is correct and usable, and the numerous examples show its prevalence in modifying adjectives and verbs.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adverb "fairly" is a versatile term used to indicate moderation or impartiality. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, supported by numerous examples from reliable sources like The Guardian and The New York Times. Predominantly found in News & Media, it serves to temper statements and avoid extremes. To write effectively with "fairly", remember that it conveys a middle ground and should not be used when a stronger term is more appropriate. Understanding these nuances will aid in clear and accurate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Somewhat

Indicates a similar meaning of 'to some extent' but is more general.

Moderately

Implies a balanced or restrained degree, similar to "fairly" in certain contexts.

Reasonably

Suggests an acceptable or justifiable level, close to "fairly" when indicating adequacy.

Pretty

Informal synonym indicating a considerable degree, similar to one sense of "fairly".

Comparatively

Highlights a relative comparison, similar to "fairly" in assessing proportions.

Relatively

Indicates a proportional assessment, aligning with "fairly" in comparative contexts.

Equitably

Focuses on fairness and justice, sharing a sense of impartiality with "fairly".

Impartially

Stresses the absence of bias, resonating with the just aspect of "fairly".

Justly

Emphasizes righteousness and fairness, mirroring the ethical implications of "fairly".

Evenhandedly

Highlights unbiased treatment, akin to the equitable dimension of "fairly".

FAQs

How can I use "fairly" in a sentence?

"Fairly" is an adverb that can mean 'to some extent' or 'in a fair manner'. For example: "The task was "fairly easy"", or "The judge ruled "fairly" in the case".

What are some alternatives to "fairly"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "somewhat", "moderately", "reasonably", or "equitably".

Is it correct to say "fairly well"?

Yes, "fairly well" is a common and correct usage. It means 'to a moderately good extent'. For example: "He performed "fairly well" on the test".

What's the difference between "fairly" and "very"?

"Fairly" indicates a moderate degree, while "very" indicates a high degree. Saying something is "fairly good" means it's good to some extent, but not exceptionally so. Saying it's "very good" means it's exceptionally good.