Totally vs. Completely — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on October 27, 2023
Totally and Completely both mean entirely or wholly, but Totally often has a more informal tone, while Completely is more neutral.
Difference Between Totally and Completely
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Totally and Completely are often interchangeable, conveying the idea of something being whole or entire. However, Totally often resonates with informal speech, lending a certain emphasis or intensity. Consider a teenager saying, "That movie was totally awesome!" Here, Totally amplifies the sentiment. Conversely, Completely stands as a neutral adverb, more grounded and often used in formal contexts. For example, "The project was completed completely on time" emphasizes thoroughness without added flair.
Interestingly, both adverbs can serve to emphasize the extent or degree of something. For instance, "I totally understand the instructions" and "I completely understand the instructions" are both expressions of full comprehension. Yet, Totally might be perceived as slightly more colloquial, while Completely remains universally formal.
Comparison Chart
Tone
Often informal.
Neutral.
Usage
Emphasis or intensity in casual speech.
Thoroughness in both formal and casual.
Emphasis
Can be more emphatic.
Steady and absolute.
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Example Usage
"She's totally into that band."
"The room is completely dark."
Syntactic Position
Generally before the verb.
Generally before the adjective or verb.
Compare with Definitions
Totally
Used for emphasis in informal speech. That was totally cool!
Completely
To the utmost degree. She was completely overwhelmed with joy.
Totally
Entirely or wholly. She was totally exhausted after the marathon.
Completely
Thoroughly; in every way. The dish was completely delicious.
Totally
Without reservation or doubt. I am totally sure of my decision.
Completely
In a total manner; without omission. The task was completed completely.
Totally
Absolutely or definitely. He's totally the right person for the job.
Completely
(Botany) Having all principal parts, namely, the sepals, petals, stamens, and pistil or pistils. Used of a flower.
Totally
In every respect. The results were totally unexpected.
Completely
(Football) Caught in bounds by a receiver
A complete pass.
Totally
Completely; absolutely
The building was totally destroyed by the fire
They came from totally different backgrounds
She's almost totally deaf
Some of the lyrics are totally brilliant
Completely
Fully or absolutely. The theater was completely full.
Totally
Entirely; wholly; completely.
Completely
Having all necessary or normal parts, components, or steps; entire
A complete medical history.
A complete set of dishes.
Totally
To the fullest extent or degree.
They've totally demolished the bank on Main Street.
Completely
Having come to an end; concluded
The renovation of the kitchen is complete.
Totally
Very; extremely.
That was totally wicked!
Completely
Absolute; thorough
Complete control.
A complete mystery.
Totally
Definitely; for sure.
That was totally not what happened.
Completely
Accomplished; consummate
A complete musician.
Totally
In a total manner; wholly; entirely.
Completely
To bring to a finish or an end
She has completed her studies.
Totally
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
To make whole, with all necessary elements or parts
A second child would complete their family. Fill in the blanks to complete the form.
Completely
(Football) To throw (a forward pass) that is caught in bounds by a receiver.
Completely
(manner) In a complete manner
Please completely fill in the box for your answer, using a number 2 pencil.
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
Completely
Without any qualification or exception. The statement is completely true.
Common Curiosities
Can Completely be used in informal contexts?
Yes, it's neutral and fits both formal and informal contexts.
Is Totally a more emphatic term?
It can be, especially in casual speech.
Can you say "completely awesome"?
Yes, but "totally awesome" might be more common colloquially.
Is it correct to say "completely total"?
It's redundant, as both words convey entirety.
Are Totally and Completely interchangeable?
Often, yes, but Totally can be more informal.
Can you use Totally in academic writing?
It's best to use more formal alternatives in academic contexts.
Does Totally always imply 100%?
In essence, yes, but context matters for interpretation.
Which is more universal in formal writing?
Completely is generally more universal in formal contexts.
Is there a difference in meaning between them?
The core meaning is similar, but tone and usage can differ.
Can Totally be used to mean "very"?
Informally, yes. Like, "That's totally cool!"
Which word is older in the English language?
Both have old roots, but "complete" predates "total" in English.
Do other languages have distinct words like Totally and Completely?
Many languages have similar adverbs, but nuances vary.
Can Completely be used to emphasize agreement?
Yes, like "I completely agree."
Is "totally complete" redundant?
Generally, yes, since both indicate wholeness.
Can both words modify adjectives?
Yes, like "totally ready" or "completely sure".
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
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.
