completely 🔊
Meaning of completely
In a complete manner; to the fullest extent or degree; wholly.
Key Difference
Unlike its synonyms, 'completely' emphasizes totality without any exceptions or omissions.
Example of completely
- The project was completely finished ahead of schedule.
- She completely forgot about the meeting due to her busy schedule.
Synonyms
entirely 🔊
Meaning of entirely
To the full or entire extent; wholly.
Key Difference
While similar, 'entirely' often implies a focus on the whole rather than the parts, whereas 'completely' can emphasize finishing or concluding something.
Example of entirely
- The team was entirely focused on winning the championship.
- He was entirely unaware of the changes happening around him.
totally 🔊
Meaning of totally
In a total manner; fully; completely.
Key Difference
'Totally' is often used in informal contexts and can sometimes imply an emotional emphasis, unlike the more neutral 'completely.'
Example of totally
- The audience was totally captivated by the performance.
- She was totally exhausted after the marathon.
utterly 🔊
Meaning of utterly
Completely and without qualification; absolutely.
Key Difference
'Utterly' often carries a stronger, sometimes negative connotation, whereas 'completely' is more neutral.
Example of utterly
- The plan was utterly disastrous and had to be abandoned.
- He was utterly devoted to his cause.
absolutely 🔊
Meaning of absolutely
With no qualification, restriction, or limitation; totally.
Key Difference
'Absolutely' can express certainty or agreement, whereas 'completely' focuses on the totality of an action or state.
Example of absolutely
- The results were absolutely clear and left no room for doubt.
- She absolutely refused to compromise on her principles.
wholly 🔊
Meaning of wholly
Entirely; fully; completely.
Key Difference
'Wholly' is more formal and often used in written or legal contexts, unlike the more versatile 'completely.'
Example of wholly
- The decision was wholly based on the evidence presented.
- He was wholly responsible for the success of the project.
fully 🔊
Meaning of fully
Completely or entirely; to the fullest extent.
Key Difference
'Fully' often implies reaching a maximum capacity or potential, whereas 'completely' can refer to finishing or concluding something.
Example of fully
- She was fully aware of the risks involved.
- The battery was fully charged after an hour.
thoroughly 🔊
Meaning of thoroughly
In a thorough manner; completely and carefully.
Key Difference
'Thoroughly' emphasizes careful attention to detail, unlike 'completely,' which focuses on totality.
Example of thoroughly
- The room was thoroughly cleaned before the guests arrived.
- He thoroughly enjoyed his vacation in the mountains.
perfectly 🔊
Meaning of perfectly
In a perfect manner; completely and without flaw.
Key Difference
'Perfectly' implies an ideal state, whereas 'completely' simply refers to totality.
Example of perfectly
- The dress fit her perfectly for the occasion.
- He executed the plan perfectly without any mistakes.
altogether 🔊
Meaning of altogether
Completely; wholly; in total.
Key Difference
'Altogether' can also mean 'in total' or 'on the whole,' whereas 'completely' is more specific to totality.
Example of altogether
- The idea was altogether different from what they had expected.
- Altogether, the event was a great success.
Conclusion
- 'Completely' is a versatile word that emphasizes totality without exceptions, making it useful in both formal and informal contexts.
- 'Entirely' is best when focusing on the whole rather than the parts, such as in legal or formal writing.
- 'Totally' works well in casual conversations where emotional emphasis is needed.
- 'Utterly' should be used when expressing extreme or negative situations.
- 'Absolutely' is ideal for expressing certainty or strong agreement.
- 'Wholly' fits well in formal or written contexts where precision is required.
- 'Fully' is appropriate when referring to reaching maximum capacity or potential.
- 'Thoroughly' is the best choice when emphasizing careful attention to detail.
- 'Perfectly' should be used when describing an ideal or flawless state.
- 'Altogether' is suitable for summarizing or referring to a total amount or situation.