Full

/fʊl/

adjectiveBeginner🔥Very CommonQuantity
3 meanings3 idioms/phrases4 questions

Definitions

3 meanings
1

Containing the greatest possible quantity or number; complete; filled.

/fʊl/

adjectiveneutralBeginner
Quantity

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

2

The theater was full during the premiere.

3

Her schedule is full this week.

How It's Used

General

"The glass is full."

Everyday Life

"I had a full day at work."

2

Complete in extent, degree, or duration.

/fʊl/

adjectiveneutralmedium
Extent

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

2

We will receive full compensation for the damage.

3

The full extent of the problem is unknown.

How It's Used

Financial

"The company reported a full year of profits."

General

"A full recovery after the illness."

Tip:Think of a 'full' understanding or a 'full' range of options.
3

To the greatest degree or extent; completely.

/fʊl/

adverbneutralmedium
Degree

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

2

The team was fully committed to the project.

3

She understood the situation fully.

How It's Used

General

"I was fully aware of the risks."

Tip:Think of 'fully' as the adverbial form of full - acting fully in that capacity or situation

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!

Word Origin

LanguageProto-Germanic
Original meaning

"filled, complete"

full ofin fullfull timefull stopfull potential

Common misspellings

ful

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written