completely
/kəmˈpliːtli/adverb★Intermediate
formalinformal
In a total or absolute manner; without any exception or remainder.
She completely forgot about the meeting.
He was completely exhausted after the marathon.
💡
Often used to emphasize the totality of an action or state.
Collocations
completely agreeto agree fullycompletely differententirely distinctcompletely wrongentirely incorrect
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related Phrases
completely offphrase
not functioning at all
completely out of the questionphrase
impossible or not to be considered
💡Pro Tip
Emphasis
Use 'completely' to emphasize the totality of an action or state, often with verbs like 'forgot', 'understand', or 'destroyed'.
⚡Gold Rule
Avoid Redundancy
Do not use 'completely' with words that already imply totality, such as 'utterly' or 'absolutely'.
📖Word Origin
From Middle English 'compleatly' (15th century), from Old French 'complète' (complete) + '-ly' (adverbial suffix).
📝Usage Notes
Can be used for emphasis in both formal and informal contexts. Often used with verbs to describe actions done without reservation.
Word Breakdown
complete
whole or entire
root-ly
adverbial suffix
suffixEnglish Dictionary