fairly
fair‧ly S1 W2 /ˈfeəli $ ˈferli/
adverb1. [+ adjective/adverb] more than a little, but much less than very ⇨ quite:
The house had a fairly large garden.
She speaks English fairly well.
The instructions seem fairly straightforward.
2. in a way that is fair, honest, and reasonable:
I felt I hadn’t been treated fairly.
3. British English old-fashioned used to emphasize the degree, force etc of an action:
He fairly raced past us on his bike.
▪ rather/quite especially British English more than a little, but less than very. British people often use these words before adjectives in conversation. In many cases they do not intend to change the meaning – it is just something that people say: She seemed rather unhappy. | It's rather a difficult question. | It’s getting quite late. | Malaria is rather common in this area.
▪fairly rather. Fairly is used in both British and American English: The test was fairly easy. | It’s a fairly long way to the next town.
▪pretty spoken rather. Pretty is more informal than the other words and is used in spoken English: Her French is pretty good. | We’re in a pretty strong position.
▪reasonably to a satisfactory level or degree: He plays reasonably well. | Let's just say that I am reasonably confident we'll win.
▪moderately formal more than a little, but not very: Her family was moderately wealthy. | The food was moderately good, but not as good as the food in the other restaurants. | Use a moderately high heat. | a moderately difficult climb
▪somewhat formal fairly or to a small degree. Somewhat is used especially when talking about the size or degree of something. It is often used in comparatives: The celebrations were somewhat larger than last year’s. | He looked somewhat irritated. | a somewhat surprising decision
fair‧ly S1 W2 /ˈfeəli $ ˈferli/
adverb1. [+ adjective/adverb] more than a little, but much less than very ⇨ quite:
2. in a way that is fair, honest, and reasonable:
3. British English old-fashioned used to emphasize the degree, force etc of an action:
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