Entirely vs Wholly
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
| Entirely | Wholly | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Completely or fully. | Completely or entirely. |
| Register | - | formal |
| CEFR level | B2 | C1 |
| Part of speech | adverb | adverb |
| Usage notes | Used to emphasize completeness. Suitable in both spoken and written contexts; however, avoid in overly casual conversations. | Often used in formal writing or speech. It is appropriate when emphasizing totality, but less commonly used in everyday conversation. |
Frequently asked questions: Entirely vs Wholly
What's the difference between "Entirely" and "Wholly"?
"Entirely" means: Completely or fully. "Wholly" means: Completely or entirely.
When should I use "Entirely" and "Wholly"?
"Wholly" is formal.
Are "Entirely" and "Wholly" the same CEFR level?
"Entirely" is at B2, "Wholly" is at C1 on the CEFR scale.