2
general::
rather/quite
especially British English more than a little, but less than very. British people often use these words before adjectives in conversation. In many cases they do not intend to change the meaning – it is just something that people say:
• She seemed rather unhappy. • It's rather a difficult question. • It’s getting quite late. • Malaria is rather common in this area.
fairly
rather. Fairly is used in both British and American English:
• The test was fairly easy. • It’s a fairly long way to the next town.
pretty
spoken rather. Pretty is more informal than the other words and is used in spoken English:
• Her French is pretty good. • We’re in a pretty strong position.
reasonably
to a satisfactory level or degree:
• He plays reasonably well. • Let's just say that I am reasonably confident we'll win.
moderately
formal more than a little, but not very:
• Her family was moderately wealthy. • The food was moderately good, but not as good as the food in the other restaurants. • Use a moderately high heat. • a moderately difficult climb
somewhat
formal fairly or to a small degree. Somewhat is used especially when talking about the size or degree of something. It is often used in comparatives:
• The celebrations were somewhat larger than last year’s. • He looked somewhat irritated. • a somewhat surprising decision
Longman-Thesaurus