entirely

entirely — adverb

1. used to say that something is true in every possible way or to the greatest degr

1.adverbB1
Definition

used to say that something is true in every possible way or to the greatest degree, without any limits or exceptions

Example

Diya was entirely focused on finishing her painting before the exhibition.

entirely + focused on — collocation for complete concentration

The storm destroyed the old fishing village entirely, leaving nothing behind.

verb + entirely — adverb placed after the verb

Common collocations
  • entirely focused on
  • entirely possible
  • entirely different
  • entirely clear
  • not entirely sure
  • entirely new
  • entirely responsible for
Synonyms
  • completely

    the most common equivalent; slightly less emphatic than 'entirely'

  • totally

    more informal and often used in everyday speech

  • fully

    suggests covering every part or aspect; common with verbs like 'understand' or 'support'

Antonyms
  • partly

    indicates only some degree, not all

  • partially

    slightly more formal than 'partly'; common in academic contexts

Grammar Patterns

entirely + adjective

verb + entirely

not entirely + adjective

Usage Note

Adverb of degree that is non-gradable — avoid using with comparative structures like 'more entirely' in formal writing. Works with 'not' to express partial doubt or politeness: 'I am not entirely sure.'

Common Mistakes

I am very entirely happy with the result.
I am entirely happy with the result.
'entirely' is absolute and cannot be intensified by 'very'.
The report was more entirely wrong than I thought.
The report was entirely wrong.
'entirely' does not accept comparative forms.

2. used to show that only one person, thing, or reason is involved and nothing or n

2.adverbB2
Definition

used to show that only one person, thing, or reason is involved and nothing or nobody else — for example, when a decision is based on one factor alone, or a cost is carried by one party

Example

The success of the charity event depends entirely on local volunteers.

depends entirely on — key collocation showing sole reliance

Beatrix's decision to study abroad was based entirely on her research interests.

based entirely on — passive construction for exclusive basis

Common collocations
  • depends entirely on
  • based entirely on
  • borne entirely by
  • entirely for
  • entirely the result of
  • entirely due to
  • entirely a matter of
Synonyms
  • solely

    the closest synonym; more formal and legal-sounding

  • exclusively

    implies a deliberate restriction to one group or purpose

  • purely

    emphasises the single nature of a reason or motive

Antonyms
  • partly

    indicates multiple contributors or reasons

  • collectively

    indicates a group effort or shared responsibility

Grammar Patterns

depends entirely on + noun

based entirely on + noun

entirely for + noun

Usage Note

Frequently paired with passive verbs (be borne entirely by, be based entirely on, be funded entirely by). The prepositional complement (on, by, for) carries the exclusive reference. Distinguish from sense 1: in this sense, 'entirely' emphasises exclusion of alternatives, not degree.

Common Mistakes

The cake was made entirely of chocolate, but it also had nuts.
The cake was made entirely of chocolate.
if nuts were included, 'mainly' or 'mostly' is more accurate. Use 'entirely' only when no other ingredient is involved.
I entirely agree with your plan.' (when meaning 'only I agree')
I entirely agree with your plan.' (this can be ambiguous
for sense 2, rephrase to 'I alone agree with your plan'.)

Word family

  • entire
    adjectiveB1
  • entirety
    nounB2

Synonym discussion

Sense: adverb/1

All four mean 'to the fullest extent,' but they differ in nuance and typical contexts. 'Completely' is the most neutral and widely used — it works in most situations ('The building was completely destroyed'). 'Totally' is more informal and often carries an emotional tone ('I totally forgot about the meeting'). 'Fully' suggests that every part or aspect is covered and pairs naturally with verbs of understanding or support ('I fully understand your concerns'). 'Entirely' sits between 'completely' and 'totally' in register — it is slightly more formal than 'totally' and often emphasises that nothing is missing or left out ('The matter is entirely between you and me'). In academic and professional writing, 'entirely' and 'fully' are safer choices, while 'totally' suits everyday conversation.

entirely ↗completely ↗totally ↗fully ↗

Common collocations

Adverbs

  • quite entirely
  • almost entirely
  • not entirely

Phrases

  • not entirely sure
  • entirely up to you
  • entirely the opposite

Etymology

LatinFrenchEnglish

Formed by adding the adverb-forming suffix '-ly' to 'entire', which came into English through Old French 'entier', from Latin 'integer' meaning 'whole, complete, untouched'. The Latin word breaks down as 'in-' ('not') plus 'tangere' ('to touch') — literally 'not touched', hence 'intact, whole'. The sense of 'solely' or 'exclusively' (sense 2) developed later in English as a natural extension: if something is entire in its scope, it covers only that thing.