WordGarden.iowholly
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /hˈəʊli/
US
- /ˈhoʊli/
Meanings
Adverb
completely or to the full extent
Beyond the definition
To do something wholly means to do it completely, with no part left out. If you're wholly committed to a project, you're fully in. It often shows total involvement, agreement, or difference. Think of a plan that is wholly unrealistic; it does not work at all in the real world. Or imagine two ideas that are wholly separate; they have nothing to do with each other. The word emphasizes completeness in a clear and direct way.
The word "wholly" describes something done or existing completely and without exception. It's more than just "mostly" or "partly"; it signifies a total state of being or action. Imagine an artist wholly absorbed in their painting—they are lost in the creative process, with nothing else on their mind.
Historically, "wholly" comes from the Old English word "hāl," meaning "whole" or "healthy." This root emphasizes completeness and integrity. It's often used to emphasize a complete agreement or acceptance: "I am wholly in favor of this plan." It can also describe something that is entirely different from something else: "The two stories are wholly unrelated."
"Wholly" isn't limited to positive contexts either. You might say someone is "wholly unprepared" for a task, meaning they haven't prepared at all. It can also be used in more formal or literary writing to add emphasis and clarity. For example: "The forest was wholly silent, save for the rustling of leaves."
So, when you want to emphasize that something is complete, entire, or absolute—without any exceptions—reach for the word "wholly." It's a powerful way to convey total involvement, acceptance, or difference.
Examples
- 1
Doubt
I wasn't wholly convinced by his explanation.
- 2
Responsibility
She is not wholly responsible for what happened.
- 3
Cause
Their success was due wholly to years of careful planning.
- Patterndue wholly to + cause
caused only by it
- 4
Funding
The charity relies wholly on public donations.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Company ownership
The software company is now wholly owned by a larger firm.
- Phrasewholly owned
owned completely
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Do not confuse
Used with (collocations)
- wholly owned
- wholly dependent on
- not wholly
- wholly inadequate
Word family
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Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- whollyadverb