Fully vs. Totally
What's the Difference?
Fully and totally are both adverbs that are used to emphasize the completeness or entirety of something. However, there is a slight difference in their usage. "Fully" is often used to indicate that something is done to the fullest extent or capacity, while "totally" is used to convey a sense of absolute completeness or entirety without any exceptions. In general, both words can be used interchangeably in many contexts to convey a similar meaning of completeness or thoroughness.
Comparison
| Attribute | Fully | Totally |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Completely or entirely | Completely or entirely |
| Usage | Commonly used in phrases like "fully understand" or "fully committed" | Commonly used in phrases like "totally agree" or "totally different" |
| Emphasis | Emphasizes completeness or thoroughness | Emphasizes completeness or entirety |
| Intensifier | Can be used as an intensifier to emphasize the extent of something | Can be used as an intensifier to emphasize the completeness of something |
Further Detail
Definition
Fully and totally are two adverbs that are often used interchangeably in everyday language. However, there are subtle differences in their meanings that can affect how they are used in a sentence. Fully typically means to the greatest extent or degree possible, while totally means completely or entirely. Both words convey a sense of completeness, but the nuances in their definitions can impact the context in which they are used.
Usage
When it comes to usage, fully is often used to emphasize the completion or thoroughness of an action or state. For example, "I fully understand the instructions" implies a deep understanding without any doubts or uncertainties. On the other hand, totally is used to convey a sense of absolute completeness or entirety. For instance, "I totally agree with your assessment" indicates complete agreement without any reservations.
Intensifiers
Both fully and totally can be used as intensifiers to emphasize the extent or degree of something. However, fully is often used in a more formal or professional context to convey a sense of thoroughness or completeness. On the other hand, totally is commonly used in informal or casual settings to express complete agreement or alignment with a particular viewpoint or opinion.
Examples
Here are some examples to illustrate the differences between fully and totally:
- I fully support your decision to pursue further education.
- I totally forgot about our meeting this morning.
- She fully comprehended the complexity of the situation.
- He totally aced the exam without any difficulty.
Impact on Tone
The choice between fully and totally can also impact the tone of a sentence. Fully tends to convey a sense of seriousness or formality, while totally can add a more casual or relaxed tone to a statement. Depending on the context and desired effect, one word may be more appropriate than the other to convey the intended tone or mood of the message.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while fully and totally are often used interchangeably, there are subtle differences in their meanings and usage that can affect the overall tone and impact of a sentence. Understanding these nuances can help writers and speakers choose the most appropriate word to convey their intended message effectively. Whether emphasizing completeness or conveying absolute agreement, the choice between fully and totally can make a difference in how a statement is perceived by the audience.
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