Fairly: meaning, definitions and examples
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fairly
[ˈfɛrli ]
Definitions
used to indicate something is reasonable or moderately
In a fair and just manner; without favoritism or bias. In a moderately sufficient manner. To a moderate extent.
Synonyms
justly, moderately, reasonably.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| fairly |
When describing something to a moderate or reasonable extent, though not extremely.
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| justly |
When something is done in a morally right, fair, and deserved manner. It often implies a sense of justice or righteousness.
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| reasonably |
When something is done in a sensible or logical manner; within the bounds of reason.
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| moderately |
When describing something that is done or occurs to a medium degree; not excessively nor insufficiently.
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Examples of usage
- He treated all his employees fairly and with respect.
- She performed fairly well in the exam, but she could have done better.
- The price of the car was fairly reasonable.
used to describe something that is just or reasonable
In accordance with the rules or standards; legitimate. Free from bias, dishonesty, or injustice. Moderately good; acceptable.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| fairly |
Use when expressing something that is true to a moderate degree, often implying a level of justice or impartiality.
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| reasonably |
Use when indicating that something is within the bounds of reason or logic; not extreme or excessive.
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| moderately |
Use to describe something happening to a medium or limited extent; not too much, not too little.
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| just |
Use to indicate something happening exactly at the moment or by a small margin, can also imply fairness or correctness.
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Examples of usage
- She made a fairly accurate assessment of the situation.
- The judge gave a fairly lenient sentence to the first-time offender.
- It's not a perfect solution, but it's fairly effective.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word originates from Middle English 'feir,' which means beautiful or just.
- It evolved from the Old English 'fæger,' which reflects notions of fairness in beauty and justice.
- Over time, the meaning shifted from being about beauty to describing moderation or degree.
Linguistics
- It's an adverb, and adverbs typically modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs.
- In different dialects, 'fairly' can convey varying degrees of intensity, sometimes even meaning 'very' in informal contexts.
- It’s often used to soften statements, making them less absolute and more subjective.
Cultural Usage
- In casual conversation, it's common to use 'fairly' to express politeness by downplaying one's opinion.
- In different cultures, the interpretation of 'fairly' may vary; for instance, British English often uses it more than American English.
- Different contexts, like law or ethics, require a clear understanding of fairness, which is where 'fairly' plays a significant role.
Pop Culture
- 'Fairly' appears frequently in titles like 'Fairly OddParents,' showing how average, everyday situations can be presented with a twist.
- Public figures often use the word during interviews to moderate claims, conveying a sense of humility or caution.
- The phrase 'fairly common' is a typical understatement in demography, revealing trends without exaggeration.
Psychology
- Researchers in social psychology note that using 'fairly' can affect perceptions of truthfulness and confidence.
- In discussions of self-assessment, saying 'I am fairly good at this' can indicate a bias towards pessimism.
- The word may reflect an individual's cognitive bias towards moderation, avoiding extremes in self-expression.
Translations
Translations of the word "fairly" in other languages:
🇵🇹 justamente
🇮🇳 निष्पक्ष रूप से
🇩🇪 fairerweise
🇮🇩 adil
🇺🇦 справедливо
🇵🇱 uczciwie
🇯🇵 公平に
🇫🇷 équitablement
🇪🇸 justamente
🇹🇷 adilce
🇰🇷 공정하게
🇸🇦 بعدل
🇨🇿 spravedlivě
🇸🇰 spravodlivo
🇨🇳 公平地
🇸🇮 pošteno
🇮🇸 sanngjarnt
🇰🇿 әділ
🇬🇪 სამართლიანად
🇦🇿 ədalətli
🇲🇽 justamente