Absolutely vs. Completely

Attribute	Absolutely	Completely
Definition	Without any doubt or exception	Wholly or entirely
Intensity	Strong emphasis on certainty	Strong emphasis on entirety
Usage	Commonly used in informal speech	Commonly used in formal contexts
Emphasis	Emphasizes the absence of doubt	Emphasizes the entirety of something

Definition

When looking at the attributes of the words "absolutely" and "completely," it is important to first understand their definitions. "Absolutely" is often used to emphasize the certainty or completeness of something. It indicates that there are no conditions or limitations. On the other hand, "completely" also signifies totality or thoroughness, but it can sometimes imply a sense of finality or closure.

Usage

Both "absolutely" and "completely" are adverbs that are commonly used in everyday language. "Absolutely" is often used to express strong agreement or affirmation. For example, someone might say, "I absolutely agree with you." On the other hand, "completely" is frequently used to indicate that something is done to the fullest extent or without any remaining parts. For instance, one might say, "I completely finished my homework."

Intensity

One key difference between "absolutely" and "completely" lies in their intensity. While both words convey a sense of totality, "absolutely" tends to be more emphatic in its expression. It is often used to convey a high degree of certainty or agreement. On the other hand, "completely" can sometimes be seen as more neutral in its intensity, simply indicating that something is done in its entirety.

Emphasis

Another aspect to consider when comparing "absolutely" and "completely" is the emphasis they place on different aspects of a statement. "Absolutely" often emphasizes the certainty or truthfulness of a statement. It is used to stress that there are no doubts or reservations. On the other hand, "completely" emphasizes the thoroughness or completeness of an action or state. It indicates that nothing is left unfinished or incomplete.

Context

When choosing between "absolutely" and "completely," it is important to consider the context in which they are being used. "Absolutely" is often used in more formal or emphatic situations where a strong affirmation is needed. It can be used to express unwavering support or agreement. On the other hand, "completely" is more versatile and can be used in a variety of contexts to indicate thoroughness or totality.

Examples

To better understand the differences between "absolutely" and "completely," let's look at some examples of how they are used in sentences:

• "I absolutely love chocolate ice cream." (emphasizing strong agreement)
• "She completely forgot about the meeting." (indicating total forgetfulness)
• "I absolutely believe in the power of positive thinking." (expressing unwavering belief)
• "The project is completely finished ahead of schedule." (showing thorough completion)

Conclusion

In conclusion, while both "absolutely" and "completely" share similarities in their meanings, they also have distinct attributes that set them apart. "Absolutely" is often used to emphasize certainty and agreement, while "completely" focuses on thoroughness and totality. Understanding the nuances of these words can help you choose the right one for the context in which you are communicating.