Entirely vs. Entirety

Attribute	Entirely	Entirety
Definition	Completely, wholly, without exception	The state of being whole or complete
Usage	Adverb	Noun
Part of Speech	Adverb	Noun
Synonyms	Completely, totally, fully	Wholeness, completeness, entirety

When it comes to the English language, there are often words that sound similar but have different meanings. Two such words are "entirely" and "entirety." While they may seem interchangeable at first glance, a closer look reveals distinct attributes that set them apart. In this article, we will explore the differences between entirely and entirety to help you understand how to use them correctly in your writing.

Definition

Let's start by defining each word. "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. For example, you might say, "I entirely agree with your assessment." On the other hand, "entirety" is a noun that refers to the whole or total of something. It is used to describe a complete set or collection of things. For instance, you could say, "The project was completed in its entirety."

Usage

One key difference between entirely and entirety is their grammatical function. "Entirely" is an adverb that modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. It is often used to intensify the meaning of the word it is paired with. For example, you might say, "She was entirely unaware of the situation." On the other hand, "entirety" is a noun that typically follows a preposition or is used as the object of a sentence. It refers to the entirety of something as a whole. For instance, you could say, "The book was read in its entirety."

Emphasis

Another distinction between entirely and entirety is the emphasis they place on completeness. "Entirely" emphasizes the degree to which something is done or the extent to which it is true. It suggests that there is nothing left out or incomplete. For example, you might say, "The task was entirely finished." In contrast, "entirety" emphasizes the entirety of something as a whole. It suggests that all parts are included and nothing is missing. For instance, you could say, "The document was reviewed in its entirety."

Scope

Furthermore, entirely and entirety differ in terms of scope. "Entirely" focuses on the completeness of an action or state. It indicates that something is done fully or without reservation. For example, you might say, "The decision was entirely his." On the other hand, "entirety" focuses on the entirety of a set or collection. It refers to the whole of something without any parts missing. For instance, you could say, "The concert was recorded in its entirety."

Examples

To better illustrate the differences between entirely and entirety, let's look at some examples of how they are used in sentences:

• "She was entirely focused on her work." (adverb)
• "The project was completed in its entirety." (noun)
• "He entirely forgot about the meeting." (adverb)
• "The book was read in its entirety." (noun)
• "They entirely disagreed on the issue." (adverb)
• "The film was shown in its entirety." (noun)

By examining these examples, you can see how entirely and entirety are used in context and how they convey different meanings based on their grammatical function.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while entirely and entirety may sound similar, they have distinct attributes that set them apart in terms of definition, usage, emphasis, scope, and examples. Understanding the differences between these two words can help you use them correctly in your writing and avoid confusion. Whether you need to emphasize completeness or refer to the entirety of something, knowing when to use entirely as an adverb and entirety as a noun will enhance the clarity and precision of your communication.