different between absolutely vs fully

English

Etymology

absolute +? -ly, from Middle English.

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /æb.s??l(j)u?t.l?/
• (US) IPA^(key): /?æb.s??lut.li/, /?æb.s??lut.li/

Adverb

absolutely (not comparable)

1. In an absolute or unconditional manner; utterly, positively, wholly. [First attested around 1350 to 1470.]
2. Independently; viewed without relation to other things or factors. [First attested around 1350 to 1470.]
3. (grammar) In a manner that does not take an object.

Usage notes

• Absolutely is not to be confused with intensives such as very or indeed, as it is an unconditional term, absolutely/*very essential, vital or crucial.

Synonyms

• (in an absolute or unconditional manner): See also Thesaurus:completely
• (viewed without relation to other things): See also Thesaurus:individually

Translations

Interjection

absolutely

1. Yes; certainly; expression indicating strong agreement. [First attested around 1350 to 1470.]

Usage notes

• Some commentators, especially in England, criticise the interjectional use as having no useful meaning beyond that of yes; however, this assumes that emphasis is useless, which, pragmatically speaking, it isn’t.

Derived terms

Translations

See also

• absitively posolutely

References

English

Etymology

From Middle English fully, fulliche, volliche, from Old English full??e (“fully”), equivalent to full +? -ly. Compare German völlig (“fully”), Swedish fullt (“fully”).

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /?f?li/
• Rhymes: -?li

Adverb

fully (comparative more fully, superlative most fully)

1. In a full manner; without lack or defect.

2. In a full degree; to a full extent.
3. As a minimum; at least.

Synonyms

• (in a full manner):
• (to a full extent):

Related terms

• fully committed
• fully-stocked
• fully well

Translations