/fair"lee/ , adv.
1. in a fair manner; justly or honestly; impartially.
2. moderately; tolerably: a fairly heavy rain.
3. properly; legitimately: a claim fairly made.
4. clearly; distinctly: fairly seen.
5. Chiefly Southern U.S.
a. actually; completely: The wheels fairly spun.
b. almost; practically: He slipped off the roof and fairly broke his neck.
6. Obs. softly.
7. Obs. courteously.
[ 1350-1400; ME; see FAIR 1 , -LY ]