Complete: meaning, definitions and examples

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complete

 

[ kəmˈpliːt ]

Verb / Adjective
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Verb

fill in the blanks

To finish making something, or to bring something to an end. It can also mean to make something whole or perfect.

Synonyms

accomplish, conclude, finish, fulfill.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
complete

Use when talking about finishing all parts of something. It is neutral and often used for tasks and projects.

  • She managed to complete the project on time.
  • He completed the puzzle in just an hour.
finish

Use in everyday situations to indicate that something is done. It is informal and often used for shorter tasks.

  • I need to finish my homework.
  • She finished reading the book last night.
conclude

Use when talking about bringing something to an end, often involving a logical decision or summary.

  • The meeting concluded with a vote on the proposal.
  • After much debate, they concluded that it was the best course of action.
accomplish

Use when referring to achieving something with effort or skill. It suggests a sense of achievement.

  • They accomplished their goal of climbing Mount Everest.
  • She accomplished a lot during her tenure as CEO.
fulfill

Use when something meets certain requirements or expectations. It often has a positive connotation and can relate to promises or duties.

  • He fulfilled his dream of becoming a doctor.
  • She fulfilled her promise to help the community.

Examples of usage

  • Please complete the form before submitting it.
  • Her happiness completed the picture of a perfect day.
Context #2 | Adjective

whole

Having all necessary parts, elements, or steps. Not lacking or deficient in any way.

Synonyms

entire, full, total, whole.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
complete

Used when something has all the necessary parts, elements, or steps; nothing is missing.

  • He managed to complete the project on time
  • The puzzle is complete now
whole

Refers to all parts of something considered together, emphasizing completeness and unity.

  • I ate the whole pizza by myself
  • The whole country was affected by the news
entire

Usually refers to something in its entirety without leaving anything out; often emphasizes the total scope or extent.

  • She read the entire book in one day
  • The entire team was present at the meeting
total

Typically used to emphasize the sum, complete amount, or entirety; often in quantitative contexts.

  • The total cost of repairs is very high
  • She made a total of ten cakes for the event
full

Often refers to being filled to capacity or being at the highest level/extent.

  • The glass is full of water
  • He gave a full account of his actions

Examples of usage

  • The project is almost complete.
  • She felt a sense of complete satisfaction.

Translations

Translations of the word "complete" in other languages:

🇵🇹 completo

🇮🇳 पूरा

🇩🇪 komplett

🇮🇩 lengkap

🇺🇦 повний

🇵🇱 kompletny

🇯🇵 完全な (kanzen'na)

🇫🇷 complet

🇪🇸 completo

🇹🇷 tam

🇰🇷 완전한 (wanjeonhan)

🇸🇦 كامل

🇨🇿 kompletní

🇸🇰 kompletný

🇨🇳 完整的 (wánzhěng de)

🇸🇮 popoln

🇮🇸 fullkominn

🇰🇿 толық

🇬🇪 სრული (sruli)

🇦🇿 tam

🇲🇽 completo

Etymology

The word 'complete' originated from the Latin word 'completus', meaning 'full' or 'finished'. It has been used in English since the late 14th century, evolving to its current form and meaning over time.

See also: completed, completely, completeness, completer, completing, completion, incomplete, incompletely, uncompleted.

Word Frequency Rank

With position #455, this word is vital for basic English fluency. It appears very frequently in everyday language and should be among the first words you learn and actively use.