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Completely vs. Exceptionally

What's the Difference?

Completely and exceptionally are both adverbs that emphasize the degree or extent of something, but they have slightly different connotations. Completely suggests that something is done in its entirety or to the fullest extent possible, while exceptionally implies that something is done in an outstanding or extraordinary way. While both words convey a sense of thoroughness or excellence, completely focuses on completeness, while exceptionally emphasizes exceptional quality or performance.

Comparison

AttributeCompletelyExceptionally
DefinitionWholly, entirely, fullyTo a very high degree, unusually
UsageCommonly used in everyday languageLess commonly used, more formal
IntensityDenotes a sense of totalityDenotes a sense of superiority or excellence
ExamplesCompletely finished, completely satisfiedExceptionally talented, exceptionally beautiful

Further Detail

Definition

Completely and exceptionally are both adverbs that are used to describe the degree or extent of something. Completely means to the fullest extent or degree, leaving no part untouched or unaltered. Exceptionally, on the other hand, means to a very high degree or unusually, standing out from the norm. Both words convey a sense of completeness or thoroughness, but in slightly different ways.

Usage

Completely is often used to emphasize that something is done in its entirety or without exception. For example, "I completely finished my homework before dinner." On the other hand, exceptionally is used to highlight that something is outstanding or extraordinary. For instance, "She performed exceptionally well in the competition." While both words convey a sense of completeness, completely focuses on the thoroughness of an action, while exceptionally emphasizes the exceptional quality of something.

Intensity

Completely tends to convey a sense of finality or totality in a more straightforward manner. It leaves no room for doubt or ambiguity, emphasizing that something is done to the fullest extent. For example, "The project was completely successful." On the other hand, exceptionally adds a layer of intensity by suggesting that something is not just complete, but outstanding or remarkable. For instance, "The view from the top of the mountain was exceptionally beautiful." Exceptionally implies a level of excellence or superiority that completely does not necessarily convey.

Scope

Completely is often used to describe actions or states that are all-encompassing or thorough. It can be applied to a wide range of situations, from completing a task to describing a feeling. For example, "I completely understand your point of view." Exceptionally, on the other hand, is typically used to describe qualities or characteristics that are exceptional or extraordinary. It is often used to highlight a standout feature or performance. For instance, "She is exceptionally talented in music." While completely can be used in a variety of contexts, exceptionally is more specific in its application.

Impact

Completely and exceptionally both have a strong impact on the meaning of a sentence. Completely emphasizes the thoroughness or completeness of an action or state, leaving no room for doubt. For example, "The house was completely destroyed in the fire." On the other hand, exceptionally adds a layer of intensity or superiority to a description, highlighting that something is not just complete, but outstanding. For instance, "The food at the restaurant was exceptionally delicious." Both words have the power to enhance the meaning of a sentence and convey a sense of completeness or excellence.

Conclusion

In conclusion, completely and exceptionally are both adverbs that are used to describe the degree or extent of something. While completely emphasizes thoroughness and totality, exceptionally adds a layer of intensity and superiority. Both words have a strong impact on the meaning of a sentence and can enhance the description of an action or state. Whether you choose to use completely or exceptionally depends on the context and the level of emphasis you want to convey. Both words have their own unique attributes that make them valuable additions to the English language.

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