Completely

Part of speech: adverb

Pronunciation: /kəmˈpliːtli/

Definitions

1. In every way or to the fullest extent, leaving nothing out or unfinished
2. In an absolute manner, indicating totality or thoroughness without any exceptions or omissions
3. To the fullest degree, signifying that nothing is lacking or half-finished in any respect

Etymology: The journey of the adverb "completely" begins with its root, the adjective "complete," which traces back to the Latin term "completus." This term is derived from "complere," meaning "to fill up" or "to finish," composed of the prefix "com-" meaning "together" or "with," and "plere," meaning "to fill." The evolution from Latin to English saw "complete" emerge in the 14th century, with its meaning revolving around the idea of fullness or wholeness, suggesting that something is entirely finished or lacking nothing. By the time "completely" was formed in the 15th century, it had taken on the role of an adverb, enhancing the original adjective's meaning by signifying the manner in which an action is performed — in this case, to the fullest extent. This adverbial form allows for the amplification of the adjective, indicating that an action is not merely done well but is done in every possible way, achieving totality. The term became essential in English for expressing absoluteness in various contexts, from everyday conversation to literature. As it made its way into English usage, "completely" began to convey a sense of finality, often used in contexts where totality or thoroughness was paramount. The word has been instrumental in articulating concepts across a range of disciplines, from science to philosophy, where precision in expressing completeness is vital. Thus, it has not only retained its original essence of fullness but has also adapted to meet the demands of modern language and thought, remaining a staple in both spoken and written forms.

Synonyms: entirely, totally, fully, wholly, thoroughly

Antonyms: partially, incompletely