Fully – Definition and Part of Speech
The word “fully” is primarily used as an adverb. It means completely or entirely, indicating that something is done or exists without any lack or limitation. “Fully” often modifies verbs to indicate total completion or adherence.
While “fully” itself does not change form grammatically beyond serving its role as an adverb, related terms like the adjective “full” and the noun “fulness” derive from the same root, expanding on ideas of completeness in different contexts.
Core Synonyms
Below is a table listing some main synonyms for “fully,” along with their definitions, example sentences, and style/register indications:
| Synonym | Brief Definition/Nuance | Example Sentence | Style/Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| Completely | Without any exception or omission. | “The project was completed completely by the deadline.” | Formal/Academic/Technical |
| Entirely | In total; fully, especially in a formal sense. | “Her focus is entirely on sustainable development.” | Academic/Formal |
| Totally | Used to emphasize complete totality or agreement. | “I totally agree with your point of view.” | Informal/Casual/Conversational |
| Entirely | Without any part lacking; wholly. | “The team was entirely committed to the new strategy.” | Formal/Business |
| Thoroughly | With detailed attention and completeness. | “He thoroughly researched all sources for the paper.” | Academic/Formal |
Usage Notes
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Business Writing: Synonyms like “completely” or “entirely” fit well in business documents, where clarity and formality are paramount. They convey an unambiguous sense of completion or totality.
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Academic Papers: Terms such as “thoroughly” or “entirely” are commonly used to reflect depth of research or analysis. These synonyms highlight rigorous attention to detail.
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Casual Speech: In everyday conversation, “totally” is a prevalent synonym due to its informal and conversational tone, often expressing agreement or emphasis without formal constraint.
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Creative Writing: Writers may choose from a range of synonyms depending on the desired tone. For example, “completely” might suit more descriptive narratives, whereas “thoroughly” could imply meticulousness in plot development or character building.
Common Pitfalls
One common pitfall with using synonyms for “fully” is overestimating their interchangeability across different contexts:
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Formality Levels: While “totally” and “completely” both denote fullness, “totally” carries a more informal tone and might not be suitable in formal writing.
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Nuance Differences: Words like “thoroughly” emphasize the manner of completion rather than just the state of being complete. It suggests meticulous effort or comprehensive coverage, which isn’t always interchangeable with other synonyms.
Final Recap
In summary, while many words can express the concept of completeness, choosing the right synonym for “fully” depends on context and desired tone:
- Completely and entirely work well in formal and academic contexts.
- Totally is preferred in informal settings due to its conversational nature.
- Thoroughly emphasizes detailed effort or research.
To become more proficient with these synonyms, try crafting sentences for each synonym, focusing on their subtle differences. This practice will help solidify your understanding of how to use them appropriately across various scenarios and registers.