Entire vs. Entirely

Attribute	Entire	Entirely
Definition	Whole, complete, not divided into parts	Completely, totally, in every way
Usage	Can be used as an adjective or noun	Usually used as an adverb
Examples	The entire book was fascinating	She was entirely focused on her work
Origin	Latin "integer" meaning whole or complete	Latin "integre" meaning completely or wholly

Definition

Entire and entirely are two words that are often confused due to their similar spellings and meanings. However, they have distinct attributes that set them apart. The word "entire" is an adjective that means whole or complete, without any part missing. It is often used to describe something that is whole or undivided. On the other hand, "entirely" is an adverb that means completely or wholly. It is used to emphasize that something is done to the fullest extent or without exception.

Usage

When it comes to usage, "entire" is typically used before a noun to describe something as a whole or complete. For example, you might say, "I read the entire book in one sitting." On the other hand, "entirely" is used to modify a verb or adjective to indicate that something is done completely or fully. For instance, you could say, "I entirely agree with your assessment of the situation."

Examples

To further illustrate the difference between "entire" and "entirely," let's look at some examples. In the sentence, "The entire class passed the exam," the word "entire" is used to describe the whole class without any exceptions. In contrast, in the sentence, "She was entirely focused on her work," the word "entirely" emphasizes that she was completely focused on her work with no distractions.

Similarities

Despite their differences, "entire" and "entirely" do share some similarities. Both words are used to convey a sense of completeness or wholeness. They can be used to emphasize that something is done in its entirety or without any parts missing. Additionally, both words can be used to add emphasis to a statement or to indicate that something is done completely.

Context

When deciding whether to use "entire" or "entirely," it is important to consider the context in which the words are being used. If you are describing something as a whole or complete, "entire" is the appropriate choice. On the other hand, if you want to emphasize that something is done completely or fully, "entirely" is the better option. Paying attention to the context can help you choose the right word for your sentence.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while "entire" and "entirely" may seem similar at first glance, they have distinct attributes that set them apart. "Entire" is used to describe something as whole or complete, while "entirely" is used to emphasize that something is done completely or fully. Understanding the differences between these two words can help you use them correctly in your writing and communication.