Completely vs. Probably

Attribute	Completely	Probably
Definition	Wholly, entirely, fully	Likely, in all likelihood, most likely
Certainty	High certainty	Less certainty
Extent	Total, absolute	Partial, uncertain
Probability	100%	Less than 100%

Definition

Completely and probably are two words that are often used to express different levels of certainty or completeness. Completely means that something is done to the fullest extent or without any exceptions. It indicates a high degree of certainty or finality. On the other hand, probably suggests a likelihood or possibility, but not a guarantee. It implies a level of uncertainty or doubt.

Usage

Completely is commonly used to emphasize that something is finished or whole. For example, "I completely finished my homework" indicates that all the tasks were completed without any remaining work. On the other hand, probably is used to express a likelihood or assumption. For instance, "It will probably rain tomorrow" suggests that there is a high chance of rain, but it is not certain.

Level of Certainty

Completely conveys a sense of absolute certainty or finality. When something is described as completely done, there is no room for doubt or ambiguity. It indicates a high level of confidence in the statement. Probably, on the other hand, implies a level of uncertainty. It suggests that there is a good chance of something happening, but it is not guaranteed.

Extent

Completely is often used to emphasize the entirety or fullness of something. It signifies that there are no exceptions or incomplete parts. For example, "I completely agree with your assessment" means that there are no reservations or disagreements. Probably, however, does not imply completeness. It leaves room for the possibility of other outcomes or scenarios.

Frequency

Completely is used less frequently in everyday language compared to probably. It is typically reserved for situations where there is a need to emphasize the thoroughness or finality of an action. Probably, on the other hand, is a common word used to express likelihood or probability in various contexts. It is often used in casual conversations and written communication.

Impact

Completely can have a stronger impact on the listener or reader due to its definitive nature. When something is described as completely true or false, it leaves little room for interpretation. Probably, on the other hand, may not have the same level of impact because it suggests a degree of uncertainty. It can be seen as a more cautious or tentative statement.

Examples

Here are some examples to illustrate the difference between completely and probably:

• Completely: "I completely forgot about our meeting today."
• Probably: "It will probably take about an hour to get to the airport."
• Completely: "The project is completely finished and ready for review."
• Probably: "She will probably be late to the party, as usual."

Conclusion

In conclusion, completely and probably are two words that serve different purposes in communication. Completely is used to express certainty, finality, and completeness, while probably indicates likelihood, possibility, and uncertainty. Understanding the nuances of these words can help improve clarity and precision in language use.