Completely vs. Fully — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 3, 2024
Completely and fully both imply total inclusion or extent, but "completely" often emphasizes a qualitative state, whereas "fully" can imply thoroughness or completeness in preparation or development.
Difference Between Completely and Fully
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Completely often suggests a state of being whole or finished without any parts excluded, emphasizing totality in terms of quality or degree. Whereas fully often relates to the extent or capacity, focusing on the depth of an action or state being thoroughly comprehensive.
Completely is frequently used to describe an action or condition that is absolute, with no partiality. On the other hand, fully implies that everything relevant has been considered or included, often in the context of preparation or understanding.
Completely can convey the end status of a process, indicating that nothing more is due or expected. Whereas fully might suggest a readiness or adequacy for a specific purpose, emphasizing the suitability of a situation or condition.
Completely is used to intensify the definitive nature of verbs, as in to destroy completely. Fully, however, is more about the breadth of an action’s effect or influence, as seen in fully functional.
Completely often underscores the exhaustive aspect of an adjective, enhancing the absolute nature of conditions, such as completely independent. Fully, conversely, tends to modify verbs dealing with understanding, preparation, or involvement, such as fully aware.
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Comparison Chart
Focus
Quality or degree
Capacity or thoroughness
Common Usages
End status of a process
Readiness or adequacy for a purpose
Modification
Often modifies adjectives
Often modifies verbs
Implication
Absolute, without partiality
Inclusion of all relevant aspects
Example Sentences
Completely destroyed, completely ready
Fully prepared, fully understood
Compare with Definitions
Completely
Without qualification; thoroughly.
She was completely overwhelmed with work.
Fully
At maximum capacity.
The theater was fully seated.
Completely
Entirely; absolutely.
The building was completely demolished.
Fully
To the greatest degree; totally.
He is fully capable of completing the task.
Completely
In all respects; totally.
He was completely convinced of her honesty.
Fully
To the fullest extent in preparation.
She was fully prepared for the examination.
Completely
To the fullest extent.
The document was completely signed and dated.
Fully
In a comprehensive manner.
The problem was fully addressed during the meeting.
Completely
To the exclusion of others.
The attention was focused completely on him.
Fully
Completely, with nothing lacking.
The report was fully detailed.
Completely
Having all necessary or normal parts, components, or steps; entire
A complete medical history.
A complete set of dishes.
Fully
Fully is a municipality in the district of Martigny in the canton of Valais in Switzerland.
Completely
(Botany) Having all principal parts, namely, the sepals, petals, stamens, and pistil or pistils. Used of a flower.
Fully
Totally or completely
Fully grown.
Completely
Having come to an end; concluded
The renovation of the kitchen is complete.
Fully
At least
Fully half of the volunteers did not appear.
Completely
Absolute; thorough
Complete control.
A complete mystery.
Fully
In a full manner; without lack or defect.
He fully met his responsibilities.
Completely
Accomplished; consummate
A complete musician.
Fully
In a full degree; to a full extent.
He is fully capable of meeting his responsibilities.
Completely
(Football) Caught in bounds by a receiver
A complete pass.
Fully
As a minimum; at least.
It was fully four hours before we arrived home.
Completely
To bring to a finish or an end
She has completed her studies.
Fully
In a full manner or degree; completely; entirely; without lack or defect; adequately; satisfactorily; as, to be fully persuaded of the truth of a proposition.
Completely
To make whole, with all necessary elements or parts
A second child would complete their family. Fill in the blanks to complete the form.
Fully
To the greatest degree or extent; completely or entirely; (`full' in this sense is used as a combining form);
Fully grown
He didn't fully understand
Knew full well
Full-grown
Full-fledged
Completely
(Football) To throw (a forward pass) that is caught in bounds by a receiver.
Fully
Sufficiently; more than adequately;
The evidence amply (or fully) confirms our suspicions
They were fully (or amply) fed
Completely
(manner) In a complete manner
Please completely fill in the box for your answer, using a number 2 pencil.
Fully
Referring to a quantity;
The amount was paid in full
Completely
(degree) To the fullest extent or degree; totally.
He is completely mad.
Completely
In a complete manner; fully.
Completely
To a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (`whole' is often used informally for `wholly');
He was wholly convinced
Entirely satisfied with the meal
It was completely different from what we expected
Was completely at fault
A totally new situation
The directions were all wrong
It was not altogether her fault
An altogether new approach
A whole new idea
Completely
So as to be complete; with everything necessary;
He had filled out the form completely
The apartment was completely furnished
Common Curiosities
Can "fully" and "completely" be used interchangeably?
While often interchangeable, "fully" is better when referring to thoroughness, and "completely" when indicating totality.
How does "fully" relate to understanding concepts?
"Fully" relates to understanding concepts by emphasizing thoroughness and depth in comprehension.
Is "completely" more intense than "fully"?
"Completely" can be seen as more intense when it emphasizes an absolute or entire condition.
Which is more appropriate in scientific contexts, "fully" or "completely"?
"Fully" is often more appropriate in scientific contexts when discussing completeness of methodology or findings.
What is the difference in modifying verbs between "completely" and "fully"?
"Completely" modifies verbs to enhance absoluteness, whereas "fully" enhances thoroughness.
What contexts are suitable for using "completely"?
"Completely" is suitable in contexts that emphasize an absolute state or condition.
When should I use "fully" in daily conversation?
Use "fully" when discussing preparations, understandings, or states that are all-encompassing.
Does "completely" suggest a finality in actions?
Yes, "completely" often suggests a finality or conclusion to actions.
Can "fully" imply limitations in some contexts?
Yes, "fully" can imply limitations when it suggests reaching the full, but not exceeding, potential or capacity.
Is "completely" suitable for describing emotional states?
Yes, "completely" is suitable for describing emotional states.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
