Thoroughly vs. Truly — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Published on January 10, 2024
Thoroughly means doing something completely and in detail, while truly means genuinely or sincerely, often emphasizing truth or authenticity.
Difference Between Thoroughly and Truly
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Thoroughly is used to describe an action done with great attention to detail, leaving no part unattended. It often implies a comprehensive, meticulous approach. Truly, on the other hand, refers to the authenticity or sincerity of something. It is used to affirm the truthfulness or genuineness of a statement or feeling.
Thoroughly is typically used in contexts where depth and completeness are required, like in research, cleaning, or learning. It emphasizes the extent and completeness of an action. Truly is used in contexts where honesty, sincerity, or heartfelt truth is the focus, such as in expressions of feelings, beliefs, or in affirming the validity of a statement.
Thoroughly often carries a connotation of diligence and meticulousness. It suggests a comprehensive approach to a task. Truly, in contrast, connotes sincerity and authenticity, often used to express genuine feelings or to confirm the veracity of a statement.
Thoroughly functions as an adverb modifying verbs, describing the manner in which an action is performed. Truly also serves as an adverb but is often used to modify adjectives or other adverbs, enhancing the sense of truth or authenticity in a statement.
When someone says they did something thoroughly, they imply extensive effort and attention to detail. When someone says something is truly so, they emphasize their honest belief or the undeniable truth of a matter.
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Comparison Chart
Primary Function
Describes the extent and manner of an action.
Affirms sincerity, truth, or authenticity.
Typical Contexts
Used in tasks requiring detail and completeness.
Used in expressing genuine feelings or truths.
Connotations
Implies diligence and meticulousness.
Suggests sincerity and genuineness.
Linguistic Role
Adverb modifying verbs.
Adverb modifying adjectives or adverbs.
Implication in Use
Indicates comprehensive effort in actions.
Indicates honesty or undeniable truth.
Compare with Definitions
Thoroughly
Thoroughly means in a detailed and complete manner.
She thoroughly cleaned the room, leaving no corner untouched.
Truly
Truly means in a sincere or genuine manner.
She truly believed in the importance of education.
Thoroughly
Thoroughly denotes the extent of thoroughness in action.
The instructions were thoroughly explained to avoid any confusion.
Truly
Truly is used to express heartfelt truth or authenticity.
His apology was truly heartfelt.
Thoroughly
Thoroughly means to perform a task in a manner that covers all aspects.
The book was thoroughly reviewed for any errors.
Truly
Truly implies honesty and lack of pretense.
He truly respects his mentor's advice.
Thoroughly
Thoroughly implies doing something with great care and attention to detail.
He thoroughly researched the topic before presenting.
Truly
Truly denotes genuine feelings or sincerity.
They were truly happy on their wedding day.
Thoroughly
Exhaustively complete
A thorough search.
Truly
Sincerely; genuinely
We are truly sorry for the inconvenience.
Thoroughly
Painstakingly accurate or careful
Thorough research.
Truly
Truthfully; accurately
Reported the matter truly.
Thoroughly
Absolute; utter
A thorough pleasure.
Truly
Indeed
Truly ugly.
Thoroughly
Variant of through.
Truly
Properly
Not truly civilized.
Thoroughly
In a thorough or complete manner.
He went out in the rain and came back thoroughly drenched.
The editor looked thoroughly for any mistakes in the paper.
Truly
(manner) In accordance with the facts; truthfully, accurately.
Thoroughly
In a thorough manner; fully; entirely; completely.
Truly
(modal) Honestly, genuinely, in fact, really.
That is truly all I know.
Truly, that is all I know.
Thoroughly
In a complete and thorough manner (`good' is sometimes used informally for `thoroughly');
He was soundly defeated
We beat him good
Truly
(degree) Very.
You are truly silly.
Thoroughly
In an exhaustive manner;
We searched the files thoroughly
Truly
In a true manner; according to truth; in agreement with fact; as, to state things truly; the facts are truly represented.
I can not truly say how I came here.
Thoroughly
Thoroughly is used to describe an exhaustive or comprehensive approach.
The team thoroughly analyzed the data for accuracy.
Truly
Exactly; justly; precisely; accurately; as, to estimate truly the weight of evidence.
Truly
Sincerely; honestly; really; faithfully; as, to be truly attached to a lover; the citizens are truly loyal to their prince or their country.
Truly
Conformably to law; legally; legitimately.
His innocent babe [is] truly begotten.
Truly
In fact; in deed; in reality; in truth.
Beauty is excelled by manly graceAnd wisdom, which alone is truly fair.
Truly
In accordance with truth or fact or reality;
She was now truly American
A genuinely open society
They don't really listen to us
Truly
By right;
Baseball rightfully is the nation's pastime
Truly
With sincerity; without pretense;
She praised him sincerely for his victory
Was unfeignedly glad to see his old teacher
We are truly sorry for the inconvenience
Truly
In fact (used as intensifiers or sentence modifiers);
In truth, moral decay hastened the decline of the Roman Empire
Really, you shouldn't have done it
A truly awful book
Truly
Truly is used to affirm the truth or reality of something.
This is truly the best meal I've ever had.
Common Curiosities
What does thoroughly mean?
Thoroughly means completely and in great detail.
Is thoroughly a subjective term?
It can be, depending on the person's standards of thoroughness.
Can something be done too thoroughly?
Yes, if it goes beyond what is necessary or expected.
Is truly only used for positive statements?
No, truly can be used for both positive and negative contexts.
How is truly used in a sentence?
Truly is used to express genuineness or confirm truth.
Can truly be used to emphasize facts?
Yes, it's often used to stress the truth of a statement.
Can thoroughly be used to describe feelings?
Thoroughly is more about actions than emotions.
Does thoroughly imply a long process?
Often, as it involves comprehensive coverage.
Does truly relate to emotions?
Yes, it's often used in the context of sincere feelings.
Is truly a formal term?
It can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
Can truly be used sarcastically?
Yes, depending on tone and context.
Is thoroughly related to time spent on a task?
Often, as thoroughness usually requires more time.
Are thoroughly and truly interchangeable?
No, as they have different meanings and uses.
Does thoroughly always mean perfection?
Not necessarily perfection, but a high level of completeness.
How does truly enhance a statement?
It adds a layer of sincerity or authenticity.
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Written 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.
