Entirely

/ɪnˈtaɪərli/

adverbBeginnerVery CommonGeneral

Definitions

1

Completely; fully; without exception or reservation.

/ɪnˈtaɪərli/

adverbneutralBeginner
General

Completely or wholly; to the full extent.

I am entirely convinced that this is the best course of action.

💡 Simply: Imagine you're eating a pizza. If you eat it *entirely*, you eat all of it, every single slice. It means you didn't leave any pieces behind!

👶 For kids: When something is done *entirely*, it means it's all done! Like finishing all your homework or eating all your ice cream!

More Examples

2

The building was destroyed entirely by the fire.

3

She was entirely devoted to her children.

4

The book is entirely fictional.

How It's Used

General usage

"The project was entirely successful."

Formal writing

"The company is entirely responsible for the error."

From Middle English *entierly*, from *entier* ('entire') + *-ly* (adverbial suffix). *Entire* itself comes from Old French *entier* ('whole, complete'), from Latin *integer* ('untouched, whole, entire').

The word 'entirely' has been in use since the 16th century, evolving from the older forms of 'entire' used to denote completeness.

Memory tip

Think of 'entire' as the whole cake, and 'entirely' as eating the *entire* thing—nothing left!

entirlyintirelyentirelye

Usage

40%Spoken
60%Written