# fairly

Pronunciation: say "FAIR-lee" US /ˈfɛɹ.li/, UK /ˈfɛə(ɹ).li/

## Adverb

1. To a moderate degree; partly but not fully; somewhat.
   - Simple: To some degree, but not fully or completely.
   - _The test was fairly difficult, though most students finished on time._
   - _We arrived fairly early and found good seats near the front._
2. In a fair manner; without bias or favoritism toward any side or party.
   - Simple: In a way that is fair and treats everyone the same.
   - _The judge insisted that both sides be treated fairly throughout the trial._
   - _Profits from the sale were divided fairly among the three partners._
3. In an honest and proper way; by legitimate means rather than by trickery.
   - Simple: In an honest way, without cheating or tricks.
   - _She won the championship fairly, without breaking a single rule._
   - _He came by the money fairly, through years of patient work._
4. Favorably or auspiciously; in a way that promises or brings good fortune or success.
   - Simple: In a good or lucky way that helps things go well.
   - _The tide ran fairly for the rowers, and they reached the island before noon._
   - _The omens read fairly for the wedding, and the whole village turned out to celebrate._

## Adverb

5. Almost; practically; so completely that an action or state very nearly applies in full. *(dated)*
   - Simple: Very nearly, almost to the point of really happening.
   - _She fairly danced with joy when she heard the good news._
   - _The old man fairly trembled with excitement as he opened the letter._
6. In a neat and legible hand; written so that the letters are clear and easy to read. *(archaic)*
   - Simple: In neat, clear handwriting that is easy to read.
   - _The scribe wrote out the king's orders fairly on fresh parchment._
   - _She copied the poem fairly into her album, taking pains with every letter._

## Other meanings

- (adverb) In a soft, quiet, or gentle way, making little noise and using little force.

## Origin

From Middle English fayrly (also fayrely, vayrliche), formed from 'fair' plus the suffix '-ly'.

Source: DictionaryAI, https://dictionaryai.com/define/fairly (written from Wiktionary data, CC BY-SA 4.0: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/).