Cool MateWholly
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.