Wholly

Definition

"Wholly" refers to something that is entirely or fully complete in its nature, extent, or amount; it means "completely" or "totally."

Parts of Speech

• Adverb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈhoʊli/
• Respelling: HOH-lee

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈhəʊli/
• Respelling: HOH-lee

In both American and British English, "wholly" is pronounced with the stress on the first syllable. The word begins with a "h" sound followed by a long "o" sound as in "hole," and ends with "lee." The pronunciation is essentially the same in both versions of English, with slight variations in the vowel quality of the "o" sound.

Etymology

"Wholly" originates from the Old English "hālig", which means "holy." Over time, the word evolved, and its meaning shifted from "holy" to "entirely" or "completely," perhaps emphasizing the completeness or entirety of something as being "holy" or "sacred."

Derivatives

• Wholeness
• Whole
• Unwholly
• Half-wholly
• Overwholly

Synonyms

• Entirely
• Fully
• Completely

Antonyms

• Partially
• Incompletely
• Partly

Usage

"Wholly" is used to emphasize the completeness or totality of an action, state, or quality.

Related Terms

• Wholeheartedly
• Wholesome
• Wholegrain
• Holistic
• Totality

Detailed Definition

Adverb

• To the full extent; completely or totally.‍
• Example: The project was wholly funded by the community.

• In every part or respect.‍
• Example: The two stories are wholly different in tone and content.