Wholly: meaning, definitions and examples

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wholly

 

[ หˆhoสŠlli ]

Adverb
Context #1 | Adverb

entirely

completely and fully

Synonyms

completely, entirely, fully, totally.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
wholly

Formal or written language to express full belief or support.

  • She is wholly committed to her new project
  • The idea is wholly impractical
completely

Everyday conversation to indicate that something is 100% true or happened.

  • I completely forgot about the meeting
  • The plan completely failed
entirely

Formal or polite context to emphasize that something is true in every aspect.

  • I am entirely convinced of her innocence
  • She was entirely responsible for the event
fully

Any context where a detailed, comprehensive inclusion or understanding is needed.

  • I fully understand the risks
  • The project was fully funded by investors
totally

Casual or conversational context, often with a sense of exaggeration or emphasis.

  • I was totally surprised by the party
  • The room was totally dark

Examples of usage

  • He was wholly absorbed in his work.
  • She agreed with him wholly.
Context #2 | Adverb

to a great extent

to the full or entire extent; completely

Synonyms

absolutely, completely, entirely, thoroughly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
wholly

Used when emphasizing that something covers all parts or aspects, often found in formal or written contexts. It can carry a sense of completion and unity.

  • The house was wholly destroyed by the fire.
  • She is wholly dedicated to her research.
completely

Used when indicating that something is full or total. It's often used to remove any sense of incompleteness.

  • She completed the project completely on her own.
  • The vase was completely shattered.
entirely

Used to emphasize that something is done or exists in its full extent, often replacing 'wholly' in less formal situations.

  • The decision was entirely hers.
  • It was entirely my fault.
thoroughly

Used when emphasizing that something is done very carefully and with attention to detail, often associated with processes or tasks.

  • Make sure to clean the room thoroughly.
  • He thoroughly enjoyed the concert.
absolutely

Used for strong emphasis and to show certainty or strong agreement. It often conveys a sense of no doubt or contradiction.

  • I absolutely agree with your point.
  • He is absolutely sure that he left the keys on the table.

Examples of usage

  • I wholly support your decision.
  • The project was wholly successful.

Translations

Translations of the word "wholly" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น totalmente

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคชเฅ‚เคฐเฅ€ เคคเคฐเคน เคธเฅ‡

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช ganz

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ sepenuhnya

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ั†ั–ะปะบะพะผ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ caล‚kowicie

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๅฎŒๅ…จใซ (kanzen ni)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท totalement

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ totalmente

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท tamamen

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์™„์ „ํžˆ (wanjeonhi)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุชู…ุงู…ุงู‹ (tamaman)

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ zcela

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ รบplne

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅฎŒๅ…จๅœฐ (wรกnquรกn de)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ popolnoma

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ algerlega

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ั‚ะพะปั‹า›ั‚ะฐะน

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒกแƒ แƒฃแƒšแƒแƒ“ (sru lad)

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ tamamilษ™

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ totalmente

Etymology

The word 'wholly' originated from the Middle English word 'holich' which meant completely or entirely. It has roots in Old English and has been used in the English language for centuries to convey the idea of completeness or fullness. Over time, 'wholly' has retained its original meaning and is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts.

See also: unwholesomely, whole, wholehearted, wholeheartedly, wholeness, wholesome.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,421, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.