adv · 10 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot
Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.
Sound
Pronunciation
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Received-Pronunciation:/ˈfɛə.li/
British, Southern, Standard:/ˈfɛːlɪj/
Canada, General-American:/ˈfɛɹ.li/
US:Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.
US:/ˈfeɹ.li/without the Mary–marry–merry merger
Australian:/ˈfeːli/
New-Zealand:/ˈfeəli/without the cheer–chair merger
/ˈfiəli/New Zealand, cheer–chair merger
Scotland:/ˈfeɾ.le/
Scotland:/-lɪ/
Scotland:/-li/
/ˈfɜː(ɹ)lɪ/Lancashire, fair–fur merger
rhymes with -ɛə(ɹ)li
CMU ARPABET:F EH1 R L IY0
Digits mark lexical stress: 1 primary, 2 secondary, 0 unstressed.
1
adv
Meaning 1
In a fair manner; fair; not biased or skewed or favouring a certain party
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Topics: manner
Examples
A jury is expected to ensure that the accused is fairly judged.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: justly, frankly
Antonyms: none provided
2
adv
Meaning 2
Favorably; auspiciously; commodiously.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Examples
a town fairly situated for foreign trade
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
3
adv
Meaning 3
Honestly; properly.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Examples
Consumer laws aim to have consumers fairly treated.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
4
adv
Meaning 4
Softly; quietly; gently.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
5
adv
Meaning 5
Partly, not fully; somewhat.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Qualifier: degree
Examples
The weather this weekend will be fairly dry.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: somewhat, pretty, quite, relatively
Antonyms: none provided
6
adv
Meaning 6
Almost; practically.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: dated
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
7
adv
Meaning 7
Of handwriting: neatly and legibly.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: archaic
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
