Words / B2

in-TEYE-uh-lee/ɪnˈtaɪəli/

Entirely means completely: not entirely fair; entirely different. Entire is already in the dictionary. Completely and wholly are close; wholly is more formal. Do not use entirely with a comparative (*entirely bigger). Not entirely is a polite hedge in academic disagreement.

Meaning

Completely; in every way.

Examples

• “The delay was not entirely the contractor’s fault.”
• “The two datasets are entirely separate, which is why you cannot merge them casually.”

Good to know

entirely + adjective; not entirely. Adjective: entire. Close: completely / wholly. No entirely + comparative. Hedge: not entirely convinced.

Near in meaning

completely

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