Absolutely vs. Totally

Attribute	Absolutely	Totally
Definition	Completely; without any doubt	Completely; entirely
Usage	Often used to emphasize certainty or completeness	Often used to emphasize completeness or intensity
Intensity	Can convey a stronger sense of certainty or completeness	Can convey a stronger sense of completeness or intensity
Formality	Can be used in both formal and informal contexts	Can be used in both formal and informal contexts

Definition

When looking at the attributes of the words "absolutely" and "totally," 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, "totally" is also an adverb that means completely or entirely. It is used to indicate that something is done in a thorough or comprehensive manner.

Usage

Both "absolutely" and "totally" 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. For example, "I absolutely agree with you" or "She absolutely nailed the presentation." On the other hand, "totally" is used to indicate complete agreement or to emphasize that something is done in its entirety. For instance, "I totally understand where you're coming from" or "He totally forgot about the meeting."

Intensifiers

One key difference between "absolutely" and "totally" is their use as intensifiers. While both words can be used to emphasize a statement, "absolutely" is often seen as a stronger intensifier than "totally." For example, saying "I absolutely love this movie" conveys a stronger sense of enthusiasm than saying "I totally love this movie." In this sense, "absolutely" is used to express a higher degree of certainty or conviction.

Formality

Another aspect to consider when comparing "absolutely" and "totally" is their level of formality. "Absolutely" is generally considered more formal than "totally." It is often used in professional or academic settings to convey a sense of certainty or agreement. On the other hand, "totally" is more commonly used in informal or casual conversations. For example, you might say "I totally forgot about the meeting" to a friend, but you would likely use "absolutely" in a business meeting to express strong agreement.

Emphasis

When it comes to emphasizing a statement, both "absolutely" and "totally" can be effective tools. However, the choice between the two often depends on the context and the level of emphasis required. "Absolutely" is often used to add emphasis to a statement that requires a high degree of certainty or agreement. For example, "I absolutely believe in your abilities." On the other hand, "totally" is used to emphasize that something is done completely or entirely. For instance, "I totally forgot to call you back."

Common Phrases

Both "absolutely" and "totally" are used in a variety of common phrases in English. Some examples of phrases using "absolutely" include "absolutely stunning," "absolutely necessary," and "absolutely fabulous." On the other hand, common phrases using "totally" include "totally awesome," "totally worth it," and "totally agree." These phrases demonstrate how both words are used to convey a sense of completeness or certainty in different contexts.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while "absolutely" and "totally" are both adverbs that convey a sense of completeness or certainty, there are subtle differences in their usage. "Absolutely" is often used to express strong agreement or to add emphasis to a statement, while "totally" is used to indicate complete agreement or to emphasize that something is done entirely. Understanding these differences can help you choose the right word for the right context and effectively communicate your message.