B2adverb2K

Fully

UK /["/ˈfʊli/"]/US /["/ˈfʊli/"]/

Definition

completely

In simple words: completely or totally

Examples

  • I **fully understand** your motives.
  • She never **fully recovered** from the accident.
  • She **fully supports** her daughter's plans.
  • We are **fully aware** of the dangers.
  • The classrooms are **fully equipped**.
  • Everyone **cooperated fully** with the investigation.
  • The disease affects fully 30 per cent of the population.

Usage notes

Use 'fully' to emphasize that something is done to the highest degree. Avoid using it in very casual speech where simpler words like 'really' may be preferred.

Grammar pattern

fully + adjective/adverb

Memory hint

Think of 'fully' as 'full'—imagine a glass filled to the top with water.

Collocations

  • fully aware
  • fully prepared
  • fully understand
  • fully loaded
  • fully engage

Synonyms

  • completely
  • entirely
  • totally
  • wholly
  • thoroughly

Antonyms

  • partially
  • incompletely
  • slightly

Common mistakes

  • Using 'fully' in place of 'very' which is not always correct.
  • Confusing 'fully' with 'fill' in terms of spelling.
  • 'Fully' is sometimes misused in contexts where 'entirely' or 'completely' fit better.