Wholly Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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wholly
[ˈhoʊlli ]
Definitions
entirely
completely and fully
Synonyms
completely, entirely, fully, totally.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| wholly |
Formal or written language to express full belief or support.
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| completely |
Everyday conversation to indicate that something is 100% true or happened.
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| entirely |
Formal or polite context to emphasize that something is true in every aspect.
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| fully |
Any context where a detailed, comprehensive inclusion or understanding is needed.
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| totally |
Casual or conversational context, often with a sense of exaggeration or emphasis.
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Examples of usage
- He was wholly absorbed in his work.
- She agreed with him wholly.
to a great extent
to the full or entire extent; completely
Synonyms
absolutely, completely, entirely, thoroughly.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| 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.
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| completely |
Used when indicating that something is full or total. It's often used to remove any sense of incompleteness.
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| entirely |
Used to emphasize that something is done or exists in its full extent, often replacing 'wholly' in less formal situations.
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| thoroughly |
Used when emphasizing that something is done very carefully and with attention to detail, often associated with processes or tasks.
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| absolutely |
Used for strong emphasis and to show certainty or strong agreement. It often conveys a sense of no doubt or contradiction.
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Examples of usage
- I wholly support your decision.
- The project was wholly successful.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Literature
- Wholly has been used in classic literature to emphasize totality, for example, in poetic works where complete feelings evoke deep emotions.
- Famous authors like Shakespeare have used variations of the word to convey strong emotions, as seen in expressions of love or loyalty.
- In modern literature, 'wholly' often expresses complete character traits or themes, enriching narrative depth.
Cultural Usage
- The word is frequently used in religious texts to indicate total devotion or commitment, such as 'wholly devoted to a cause.'
- In philosophy, 'wholly' conveys the concept of wholeness, supporting discussions around the self and existence.
- In everyday language, it often appears in discussions about decisions, suggesting one must be wholly committed to a chosen path.
Psychology
- The feeling of being wholly invested in a task or idea can enhance motivation and overall satisfaction.
- In psychological terms, feeling 'wholly' content might indicate strong fulfillment and a sense of purpose in life.
- Studies suggest that wholly engaging in activities can lead to flow states, where individuals lose themselves in the moment.
Origin of 'wholly'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Old English 'hal' meaning 'whole', leading to its association with completeness.
- It has roots in the Germanic languages and relates to the concept of being entire without breaks.
- The adverb form is derived by adding '-ly' to the adjective 'whole', which appeared in English around the 12th century.
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.