C1adverbformal10K+

Wholly

UK /["/ˈhəʊlli/"]/US /["/ˈhəʊlli/"]/

Definition

completely

In simple words: Completely or entirely.

Examples

wholly inappropriate behaviour
The government is not wholly to blame for the recession.

Usage notes

Often used in formal writing or speech. It is appropriate when emphasizing totality, but less commonly used in everyday conversation.

Grammar pattern

wholly + adjective/adverb

Memory hint

Sounds like 'hole-y' — imagine a hole that is fully filled up.

Collocations

wholly owned
wholly different
wholly inadequate

Synonyms

totally

Antonyms

partially
incompletely
halfway

Common mistakes

Confused with 'holy' or 'holey'.
Omitting the word when it's necessary for emphasis.
Misusing it in informal contexts where simpler words would work better.