Altogether vs Wholly
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
| Altogether | Wholly | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Completely or in total. | Completely or entirely. |
| Register | - | formal |
| CEFR level | B2 | C1 |
| Part of speech | adverb | adverb |
| Usage notes | Use 'altogether' when you want to emphasize a total amount. Avoid in very formal writing; 'in total' might be better. | Often used in formal writing or speech. It is appropriate when emphasizing totality, but less commonly used in everyday conversation. |
Frequently asked questions: Altogether vs Wholly
What's the difference between "Altogether" and "Wholly"?
"Altogether" means: Completely or in total. "Wholly" means: Completely or entirely.
When should I use "Altogether" and "Wholly"?
"Wholly" is formal.
Are "Altogether" and "Wholly" the same CEFR level?
"Altogether" is at B2, "Wholly" is at C1 on the CEFR scale.