Completely vs. Outright
What's the Difference?
Completely and outright are both adverbs that emphasize the entirety or completeness of something. However, there is a subtle difference in their usage. Completely is often used to describe the thoroughness or extent of an action or state, while outright is more commonly used to emphasize the directness or unequivocal nature of a decision or statement. In essence, completely suggests a sense of thoroughness, while outright implies a sense of directness or finality.
Comparison
| Attribute | Completely | Outright |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Wholly, entirely, fully | Openly, without reservation |
| Synonyms | Totally, utterly, thoroughly | Absolute, unreserved, unconditional |
| Usage | Commonly used in contexts of degree or extent | Commonly used in contexts of honesty or directness |
Further Detail
Definition
Completely and outright are two adverbs that are often used interchangeably, but they have subtle differences in meaning. Completely means to the fullest extent or degree, leaving no part untouched. Outright, on the other hand, means without reservation or concealment, in a straightforward or direct manner.
Usage
Completely is commonly used to emphasize the thoroughness or extent of something. For example, "She completely forgot about the meeting." Outright, on the other hand, is often used to indicate a lack of hesitation or ambiguity. For example, "He told her outright that he didn't want to go."
Intensity
Completely tends to convey a sense of totality or completeness. It suggests that something has been done to the fullest extent possible. For example, "The project was completely finished ahead of schedule." Outright, on the other hand, implies a sense of directness or bluntness. It suggests that something has been done openly or without reservation. For example, "She was outright rude to the waiter."
Emphasis
Completely is often used to emphasize the thoroughness or extent of an action or state. It can be used to stress that something has been done in its entirety. For example, "He completely misunderstood the instructions." Outright, on the other hand, is used to emphasize the directness or openness of an action or statement. It can be used to highlight that something has been done without hesitation or reservation. For example, "She told him outright that she was leaving."
Negation
Completely is often used in negation to emphasize the absence of something. For example, "She completely ignored his calls." Outright, on the other hand, is used to indicate a lack of hesitation or reservation. For example, "He outright refused to help her."
Conclusion
In conclusion, completely and outright are two adverbs that have similar meanings but are used in slightly different contexts. Completely emphasizes the thoroughness or extent of something, while outright indicates a lack of reservation or concealment. Understanding the nuances of these two words can help you use them more effectively in your writing and communication.
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