Full
/fʊl/
Definitions
3 meaningsContaining the greatest possible quantity or number; complete; filled.
/fʊl/
Containing or holding as much as possible; complete; maximum.
The shopping cart was full of groceries.
💡 Simply: Imagine your tummy after Thanksgiving dinner! That's 'full' – meaning you can't eat any more. It's like your plate, your schedule, or a box is completely packed.
👶 For kids: When something is full, it means there is no more space. Like a full bowl of cereal!
More Examples
The theater was full during the premiere.
Her schedule is full this week.
How It's Used
"The glass is full."
"I had a full day at work."
Complete in extent, degree, or duration.
/fʊl/
Having a large or sufficient amount.
She gave a full account of the events.
💡 Simply: Think of a 'full' season of your favorite TV show. It means you've got all the episodes! It's something that is complete and not lacking anything.
👶 For kids: When something is 'full,' it can also mean that you have all of it, like a full set of toys!
More Examples
We will receive full compensation for the damage.
The full extent of the problem is unknown.
How It's Used
"The company reported a full year of profits."
"A full recovery after the illness."
To the greatest degree or extent; completely.
/fʊl/
Completely; entirely.
The data was fully processed.
💡 Simply: Think of a 'fully' charged phone. It means it's as charged as it can possibly get!
👶 For kids: When you do something 'fully', it means you are doing it a lot!
More Examples
The team was fully committed to the project.
She understood the situation fully.
How It's Used
"I was fully aware of the risks."
Synonyms
Abundant
Complete
Filled
Absolute
Comprehensive
Absolutely
Completely
Entirely
Idioms & expressions
in full
Completely; entirely; fully.
"He paid the bill in full."
full of yourself
Excessively conceited or proud; arrogant.
"Don't be so full of yourself!"
to the full
Completely; entirely; to the greatest extent possible.
"He enjoyed his vacation to the full."
From Old English *full*, from Proto-Germanic *fullaz*, related to the Proto-Indo-European root *pel-* (to fill).
In Old English, *full* signified 'filled, complete'. It has remained remarkably consistent in its core meaning throughout its history.
Memory tip
Think of a glass filled to the brim - FULL!