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Completely vs. Fully

What's the Difference?

Completely and fully are both adverbs that convey a sense of totality or completeness. However, there is a subtle difference in their usage. Completely is often used to emphasize that something is done to the fullest extent or without any exceptions, while fully is used to indicate that something is done in its entirety or to the maximum degree possible. In general, completely tends to be more emphatic and absolute in its meaning, while fully is more neutral and straightforward.

Comparison

AttributeCompletelyFully
DefinitionWholly, entirely, without exceptionTo the greatest extent possible
UsageOften used to emphasize the thoroughness of an action or stateCan be used interchangeably with completely in many contexts
IntensityMay imply a stronger sense of finality or totalityMay be perceived as slightly less emphatic than completely
EmphasisCan convey a sense of absolute perfection or thoroughnessMay suggest a sense of achieving a desired state or condition

Further Detail

Definition

Completely and fully are both adverbs that are used to indicate the extent or degree to which something is done or achieved. Completely means to the fullest extent or degree, leaving nothing out. Fully, on the other hand, means to the greatest extent or degree possible. Both words are often used interchangeably, but there are subtle differences in their usage.

Usage

Completely is often used to emphasize that something is done in its entirety or without exception. For example, "I completely forgot about our meeting." Fully, on the other hand, is used to indicate that something is done to the maximum extent possible. For example, "I fully understand the instructions." While both words convey a sense of thoroughness, completely tends to emphasize the absence of anything left undone, while fully emphasizes the extent to which something is done.

Intensifiers

Completely is often used as an intensifier to emphasize the completeness of an action or state. For example, "I completely disagree with your assessment." Fully can also be used as an intensifier, but it tends to emphasize the thoroughness or extent of an action rather than just the completeness. For example, "I fully support your decision." In this sense, fully conveys a sense of wholeheartedness or commitment to the action or state.

Emphasis

Completely is often used to emphasize the absence of anything left undone or unaddressed. For example, "I completely finished my homework." Fully, on the other hand, is used to emphasize the thoroughness or extent to which something is done. For example, "I fully explored all possible options." While both words convey a sense of completeness, completely emphasizes the absence of anything left out, while fully emphasizes the extent to which something is done.

Examples

Here are some examples to illustrate the differences between completely and fully:

  • I completely forgot about our anniversary.
  • I fully intend to finish the project on time.
  • She completely misunderstood my instructions.
  • He fully supports the new policy.
  • The team completely dominated the game.
  • We fully appreciate your help.

Conclusion

In conclusion, completely and fully are both adverbs that are used to indicate the extent or degree to which something is done or achieved. While they are often used interchangeably, there are subtle differences in their usage. Completely tends to emphasize the absence of anything left undone, while fully emphasizes the extent to which something is done. Both words can be used as intensifiers to emphasize the completeness or thoroughness of an action or state. Understanding these nuances can help you choose the right word to convey your intended meaning accurately.

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