Absolutely vs. Entirely

Attribute	Absolutely	Entirely
Definition	Completely; totally; without exception	Wholly; completely; in every part
Usage	Commonly used in informal contexts	Commonly used in formal contexts
Intensity	Can convey a stronger sense of certainty	Can convey a sense of completeness
Emphasis	Emphasizes the extremity of a situation	Emphasizes the entirety of a situation

Definition

When looking at the attributes of the words "absolutely" and "entirely," it is important to first understand their definitions. "Absolutely" is an adverb that means completely or totally, without any doubt. It is often used to emphasize a statement or to show strong agreement. On the other hand, "entirely" is also an adverb that means completely or wholly, without any part left out. It is used to indicate that something is complete in every way.

Usage

Both "absolutely" and "entirely" are commonly used in spoken and written English to convey a sense of certainty or completeness. However, there are subtle differences in their usage. "Absolutely" is often used to express strong agreement or to emphasize a point, while "entirely" is used to indicate that something is complete or whole. For example, you might say "I absolutely agree with you" to show strong agreement, but you would say "I entirely finished the project" to indicate that the project is complete in every way.

Intensifiers

One key difference between "absolutely" and "entirely" is their use as intensifiers. "Absolutely" is often used to intensify adjectives or adverbs, adding emphasis to a statement. For example, you might say "I am absolutely thrilled" to show how excited you are. On the other hand, "entirely" is not typically used as an intensifier in the same way. It is more commonly used to indicate completeness or wholeness, rather than to add emphasis to a statement.

Emphasis

While both "absolutely" and "entirely" can be used to emphasize a point, they do so in slightly different ways. "Absolutely" is often used to show strong agreement or to emphasize the truth of a statement. For example, you might say "I absolutely believe in your idea" to show your strong support. On the other hand, "entirely" is used to emphasize completeness or wholeness. You might say "I entirely understand your point of view" to show that you fully comprehend the other person's perspective.

Context

Another factor to consider when comparing "absolutely" and "entirely" is the context in which they are used. "Absolutely" is a more versatile word that can be used in a variety of situations to show agreement, emphasis, or certainty. It is often used in informal speech and writing. On the other hand, "entirely" is more formal and is typically used to indicate completeness or wholeness in a more precise or technical context. It is less commonly used in everyday conversation.

Examples

To further illustrate the differences between "absolutely" and "entirely," let's look at some examples of how they are used in sentences:

• "I absolutely love chocolate ice cream." (emphasizing strong feelings)
• "The project is entirely finished." (indicating completeness)
• "I absolutely agree with your assessment." (showing strong agreement)
• "The building is entirely made of glass." (indicating composition)

Conclusion

In conclusion, while "absolutely" and "entirely" are both adverbs that convey a sense of completeness or certainty, they have subtle differences in their usage and emphasis. "Absolutely" is often used to show strong agreement or to intensify a statement, while "entirely" is used to indicate completeness or wholeness. Understanding these differences can help you use these words effectively in your speech and writing.