What is fairly? Pronunciation and usage in English

fairly means . Learn how to pronounce and use fairly through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of fairly

fairlyadverb

/ˈfɛːli/
Definition & pronunciation of fairly

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "fairly" in English. It's a tricky one for many learners! Here's a breakdown:

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

  • ˈfer.li (rhymes with "berry")

Let's break that down further:

  • ˈfer: This part sounds like the word "fur" – short, quick, and clear. The first syllable is emphasized.
  • li: This is pronounced like the letter "L" with a short "i" sound (like in "sit").

Here's a more detailed guide with phonetic symbols (IPA - International Phonetic Alphabet):

  • ˈfer.li (IPA)

Tips for Saying it Right:

  1. Stress: The emphasis is on the first syllable ("fer"). This is crucial.
  2. "R" sound: Don’t pronounce a strong "R" sound. It’s a very light, almost swallowed "r." It's closer to a schwa sound (the “uh” sound in “about”).
  3. Vowel Sound: The "ai" sound in "fair" is not pronounced. It's closer to the "er" in "her".

Listen to Examples:

  • Google: Search "how to pronounce fairly" on Google and listen to several different pronunciations. This will help you get a feel for the sound.
  • Forvo: Forvo (forvo.com) is a website where native speakers record pronunciations of words. Look up "fairly" there to hear it from multiple speakers.
  • YouTube: Search YouTube for "how to pronounce fairly" - there are many videos demonstrating the pronunciation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

  • Saying "fay-rly": This is a very common mistake! Don’t add the "ay" sound.
  • Strong "R": Really try to soften that "r" sound – it shouldn't be pronounced fully.

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • Where are you from? (This can sometimes help me suggest pronunciations that align with your native language.)

Usage and examples with the word fairly in English

Let's break down how to use "fairly" in English. It's a common word, but its usage can be tricky because it has a couple of distinct meanings and nuances.

1. As an Adverb Meaning "Reasonably" or "Moderately"

This is the most frequent use of "fairly." It means "to a reasonable extent," "not excessively," or "within acceptable limits." It’s about balance and a degree of justice.

  • Example: “She paid fairly for the car.” (She paid a reasonable price.)
  • Example: “He waited fairly long for the bus.” (He waited a moderate amount of time.)
  • Example: “The weather is fairly warm today.” (It’s reasonably warm – not freezing, not scorching.)
  • Example: “The test was fairly difficult.” (It wasn't overly easy, but it wasn't impossible.)

2. As a Prefix with "Fair" (Meaning "Just" or "Equitable")

When "fairly" is combined with "fair," it creates the adjective "fair." This "fair" retains the sense of justice and equality.

  • Example: “A fairly simple solution.” (A reasonably simple solution – not overly complicated.)
  • Example: “It’s fairly obvious what he wants.” (It's reasonably obvious.)
  • Example: "They are fairly successful." (They are reasonably successful.)

Key Differences & Common Mistakes:

  • Don't use "fairly" to mean "very" or "extremely." While it can sometimes convey a degree of intensity, it’s generally more subtle than "very." For "very," use words like "very," "extremely," "really," or "quite."

    • Incorrect: “He was fairly angry.” (Sounds a bit weak)
    • Better: “He was very angry.” or "He was extremely angry.”

  • "Fair" vs. "Fairly": Remember that "fair" (without "ly") is an adjective (e.g., "a fair price"). “Fairly” is an adverb (describing how something is done or to what extent).

Here’s a table summarizing the uses:

Usage Meaning Example
Adverb Reasonably, moderately “The road was fairly smooth.”
Prefix + Fair Just, equitable “A fairly good idea.”

Tips for Using "Fairly" Correctly:

  1. Think about the context: What are you trying to describe? Are you talking about an amount, a degree of difficulty, or a level of quality?

  2. Consider alternatives: Sometimes, words like "reasonably," "moderately," "relatively," or “approximately” can work better depending on the precise meaning you want to convey.

  3. Read your writing aloud: This can help you catch awkward phrasing and ensure that “fairly” is used appropriately.

Can you give me an example sentence you’re unsure about, or a specific situation where you want to use "fairly"? I can help you refine it!

Synonyms for the word fairly

Idioms of the word fairly

fairly and squarely
honestly and according to the rules
    (British English)in a direct way that is easy to understand
      (British English)exactly in the place you were aiming for

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