Completely vs. Fully — What's the Difference?

Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 3, 2024

Completely and fully both imply total inclusion or extent, but "completely" often emphasizes a qualitative state, whereas "fully" can imply thoroughness or completeness in preparation or development.

Completely vs. Fully — What's the Difference?

Difference Between Completely and Fully

Key Differences

Completely often suggests a state of being whole or finished without any parts excluded, emphasizing totality in terms of quality or degree. Whereas fully often relates to the extent or capacity, focusing on the depth of an action or state being thoroughly comprehensive.

Completely is frequently used to describe an action or condition that is absolute, with no partiality. On the other hand, fully implies that everything relevant has been considered or included, often in the context of preparation or understanding.

Completely can convey the end status of a process, indicating that nothing more is due or expected. Whereas fully might suggest a readiness or adequacy for a specific purpose, emphasizing the suitability of a situation or condition.

Completely is used to intensify the definitive nature of verbs, as in to destroy completely. Fully, however, is more about the breadth of an action’s effect or influence, as seen in fully functional.

Completely often underscores the exhaustive aspect of an adjective, enhancing the absolute nature of conditions, such as completely independent. Fully, conversely, tends to modify verbs dealing with understanding, preparation, or involvement, such as fully aware.

Comparison Chart

Focus

Quality or degree

Capacity or thoroughness

Common Usages

End status of a process

Readiness or adequacy for a purpose

Modification

Often modifies adjectives

Often modifies verbs

Implication

Absolute, without partiality

Inclusion of all relevant aspects

Example Sentences

Completely destroyed, completely ready

Completely, with nothing lacking.

The report was fully detailed.

Completely

Having all necessary or normal parts, components, or steps; entire

A complete medical history.

A complete set of dishes.

Fully

Fully is a municipality in the district of Martigny in the canton of Valais in Switzerland.

Completely

(Botany) Having all principal parts, namely, the sepals, petals, stamens, and pistil or pistils. Used of a flower.

Fully

Totally or completely

Fully grown.

Completely

Having come to an end; concluded

The renovation of the kitchen is complete.

Fully

At least

Fully half of the volunteers did not appear.

Completely

Absolute; thorough

To bring to a finish or an end

She has completed her studies.

Fully

In a full manner or degree; completely; entirely; without lack or defect; adequately; satisfactorily; as, to be fully persuaded of the truth of a proposition.

Completely

To make whole, with all necessary elements or parts

A second child would complete their family. Fill in the blanks to complete the form.

Fully

To the greatest degree or extent; completely or entirely; (`full' in this sense is used as a combining form);

Fully grown

He didn't fully understand

Knew full well

Full-grown

Full-fledged

Completely

(Football) To throw (a forward pass) that is caught in bounds by a receiver.

Fully

Sufficiently; more than adequately;

The evidence amply (or fully) confirms our suspicions

They were fully (or amply) fed

Completely

(manner) In a complete manner

Please completely fill in the box for your answer, using a number 2 pencil.

Fully

Referring to a quantity;

The amount was paid in full

Completely

(degree) To the fullest extent or degree; totally.

He is completely mad.

Completely

In a complete manner; fully.

Completely

To a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (`whole' is often used informally for `wholly');

He was wholly convinced

Entirely satisfied with the meal

It was completely different from what we expected

Was completely at fault

A totally new situation

The directions were all wrong

It was not altogether her fault

An altogether new approach

A whole new idea

Completely

So as to be complete; with everything necessary;

He had filled out the form completely

The apartment was completely furnished

Common Curiosities

Can "fully" and "completely" be used interchangeably?

While often interchangeable, "fully" is better when referring to thoroughness, and "completely" when indicating totality.

How does "fully" relate to understanding concepts?

"Fully" relates to understanding concepts by emphasizing thoroughness and depth in comprehension.

Is "completely" more intense than "fully"?

"Completely" can be seen as more intense when it emphasizes an absolute or entire condition.

Which is more appropriate in scientific contexts, "fully" or "completely"?

"Fully" is often more appropriate in scientific contexts when discussing completeness of methodology or findings.

What is the difference in modifying verbs between "completely" and "fully"?

"Completely" modifies verbs to enhance absoluteness, whereas "fully" enhances thoroughness.

What contexts are suitable for using "completely"?

"Completely" is suitable in contexts that emphasize an absolute state or condition.

When should I use "fully" in daily conversation?

Use "fully" when discussing preparations, understandings, or states that are all-encompassing.

Does "completely" suggest a finality in actions?

Yes, "completely" often suggests a finality or conclusion to actions.

Can "fully" imply limitations in some contexts?

Yes, "fully" can imply limitations when it suggests reaching the full, but not exceeding, potential or capacity.

Is "completely" suitable for describing emotional states?

Yes, "completely" is suitable for describing emotional states.

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Author Spotlight

Written by

Maham Liaqat

Edited by

Tayyaba Rehman

Tayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.