1.
in its own way; reasonably; to a certain extent
Says that something is adequate or worthwhile when judged by what it is, without claiming it is outstanding. It grants modest approval while quietly setting expectations low.
From それ (that) + なり (in a manner befitting). Rarely stands alone — it appears as それなりに before verbs and adjectives, and それなりの before nouns.
Common patterns
- それなりに + verb / adjective: reasonably; in its own way (それなりに面白い)
- それなりの + noun: a corresponding, appropriate amount of (それなりの理由, それなりの値段)
- それなりに頑張る: to try in one's own way
Usage
The tone is mild and often faintly damning: それなりにおいしい means "decent, but nothing special." Used of one's own effort or possessions, it sounds modest; used of someone else's work, it can sound lukewarm.