What does wholly mean?
Wholly is an adverb meaning entirely or completely. It indicates that an action, condition, or idea applies without exception, without any part being omitted or limited. For example, a person can be wholly responsible for a decision, a group can be wholly opposed to a proposal, or a building can be wholly owned by one company. The word often carries an emphatic or formal tone, so it can underline the completeness of a situation. Although wholly and whole are closely related, they serve different grammatical roles: whole commonly describes an object or condition as complete, while wholly describes the extent or degree of an action or attitude. In less formal speech, alternatives such as entirely, completely, and fully are often preferred. Wholly is useful when the speaker wants to make clear that there are no exceptions, qualifications, or remaining elements.
adverbEntirely or completely, with no part being left out or excluded.
- In an entirely or completely comprehensive manner, with no part excluded.
"The organization is wholly dedicated to improving access to clean water."
"The proposal was wholly rejected by the committee."
"She was wholly unprepared for the complexity of the task."
Wholly is whole turned into an adverb: it tells us not just how much, but that something applies in every respect.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does wholly come from?
Wholly was formed in Middle English from whole with the adverbial suffix -ly. Whole derives from Old English hāl, meaning whole, entire, or unbroken; the same root also appears in related words such as wholesome, health, and heal. The modern form has remained essentially the same in meaning, continuing to emphasize completeness or totality.
How wholly is actually used
Wholly is neutral in register but is especially common in formal writing, legal language, and emphatic statements. In everyday conversation, entirely or completely may sound more natural.
Easily confused with wholly
Whole is typically an adjective describing something complete or unbroken, while wholly is an adverb describing the degree or extent of an action or condition.