Fairly vs. Quite vs. Rather vs. Pretty

Fairly is an adverb of degree. It generally modifies adjectives and adverbs.

  • He can speak English fairly well.

Fairly does not suggest a very high degree.

  • ‘How was the film?’ ‘Fairly good.’ (Not the best one I have seen this year.)

Quite

Quite suggests a higher degree than fairly.

  • ‘How was the film?’ ‘Quite good.’ (You ought to watch it.)

Quite can modify adjectives, adverbs, verbs and nouns.

  • She speaks English quite well.
  • He is quite tall.
  • He is quite a scholar.
  • I quite enjoyed myself at the party.

Rather

Rather is stronger than quite. It suggests ideas such as more than is usual, more than was expected or more than was wanted.

  • I think I should close the window. It is rather cold.
  • Do you see that rather tall boy standing over there.
  • ‘How was the film?’ ‘Rather good.’ (I was surprised.)

Rather can modify adjectives, adverbs, verbs and nouns.

  • It was rather a success.
  • I rather think we are going to lose.

Pretty

Pretty is similar to rather.

  • She is a pretty good girl.
  • ‘How is things?’ ‘Pretty good.

Pretty can modify adjectives and adverbs. It can’t modify nouns or verbs.

2 thoughts on “Fairly vs. Quite vs. Rather vs. Pretty”

  1. In the example above for “pretty” it says “How is things?”
    It should be “How ARE things?” since thing is plural. Correct me if I’m wrong.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published.

Scroll to Top