Definitions
- Describing something that is reasonable or just. - Referring to something that is done without bias or favoritism. - Talking about something that is moderately or sufficiently true or accurate.
- Referring to something that is to a certain extent or degree. - Describing something that is not entirely or completely true or accurate. - Talking about something that is moderately or slightly true or accurate.
List of Similarities
- 1Both are adverbs that modify adjectives, verbs, or other adverbs.
- 2Both express a degree or extent of something.
- 3Both can be used to soften the impact of a statement or to show modesty.
- 4Both can be used to indicate a moderate or partial truth or accuracy.
What is the difference?
- 1Usage: Fairly is more commonly used in formal contexts, while somewhat is more casual and informal.
- 2Meaning: Fairly emphasizes justice, impartiality, or adequacy, while somewhat emphasizes a degree of truth or accuracy.
- 3Intensity: Fairly implies a higher degree or intensity than somewhat.
- 4Connotation: Fairly has a positive connotation, while somewhat can have a neutral or negative connotation.
- 5Position: Fairly is usually placed before the adjective or adverb it modifies, while somewhat can be placed before or after.
Remember this!
Fairly and somewhat are both adverbs that express a degree or extent of something. However, fairly emphasizes justice, impartiality, or adequacy, while somewhat emphasizes a degree of truth or accuracy. Fairly is more formal and implies a higher degree or intensity than somewhat, which is more casual and can have a neutral or negative connotation.
