What does completely mean?
"Completely" is an adverb meaning wholly, entirely, or without any exception or remaining part. It functions as one of English's strongest degree modifiers, typically placed before the word it qualifies: a house can be "completely destroyed," a person "completely exhausted," or an idea "completely different" from another. Because it asserts totality, it tends to carry a decisive, emphatic tone, which makes it especially common in descriptions of dramatic change or absolute states. The word derives from "complete," tracing back through Middle French to the Latin "complere," meaning "to fill up" — so at its root, calling something complete means it has been filled to capacity. Its closest synonyms include "entirely," "totally," and "utterly," while its natural opposites are "partially" and "incompletely." Useful across registers from casual conversation to formal writing, "completely" is among the most frequently used emphasizing adverbs in modern English.
adverbWholly, entirely, or to the fullest degree; used to emphasize that something is done or true without exception or remainder.
- To the full extent; entirely and without exception (e.g. 'the room was completely empty'). Used as an emphasizing adverb with verbs, adjectives, and other adverbs.
"The old bridge had completely collapsed by morning."
"She was completely unaware of the surprise party being planned."
"The instructions were completely clear, leaving no room for confusion."
It comes from Latin 'complere' — 'to fill up' — so saying something is 'complete' literally means it has been filled to the brim.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of completely
"Completely" is formed from the adjective "complete," which entered English from Old French in the 14th century, ultimately deriving from the Latin "completus," past participle of "complere" — "to fill up, finish." The adverb form arose later, likely in the late medieval period, following the common English pattern of deriving adverbs from adjectives with the suffix "-ly." Cognates sharing the same Latin root include "completion," "complement," and "accomplish."
Related word forms
How completely is actually used
A common intensifying adverb in both formal and informal English; typically placed before the adjective, verb, or adverb it modifies. It often carries a strong, sometimes dramatic tone when describing destruction, change, or surprise.
Easily confused with completely
'Completely' is an adverb meaning 'entirely,' while 'completion' is a noun meaning the act of finishing something.