Antonyms for fair-to-middling

Grammar : Adj

Spell : fair

Phonetic Transcription : fɛər

Definition of fair-to-middling

Origin : Old English fæger "beautiful, lovely, pleasant," from Proto-Germanic *fagraz (cf. Old Saxon fagar, Old Norse fagr, Old High German fagar "beautiful," Gothic fagrs "fit"), perhaps from PIE *pek- "to make pretty" (cf. Lithuanian puošiu "I decorate").
The meaning in reference to weather (c.1200) preserves the original sense (opposed to foul). Sense of "light-complexioned" (1550s) reflects tastes in beauty; sense of "free from bias" (mid-14c.) evolved from another early meaning, "morally pure, unblemished" (late 12c.). The sporting senses (fair ball, fair catch etc.) began in 1856. Fair play is from 1590s; fair and square is from c.1600. Fair-haired in the figurative sense of "darling, favorite" is from 1909. First record of fair-weather friends is from 1736.

As in equitable : adj impartial

Example sentences :

He for one had enjoyed himself just fair-to-middling, he said.
Extract from : « Gray youth » by Oliver Onions

He played a fair-to-middling game; and nothing more need be said of him.
Extract from : « The Lion's Share » by E. Arnold Bennett

She concerned herself far more with Luke, an active, fair-to-middling American boy somewhat inclined to be spoiled.
Extract from : « The Gorgeous Girl » by Nalbro Bartley

"Moore, he's a fair-to-middling horse," said Belllounds, with the air of judge of horseflesh.
Extract from : « The Mysterious Rider » by Zane Grey

Synonyms for fair-to-middling

Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019