different between simply vs wholly

English

Etymology

From Middle English symply, symplely; equivalent to simple +? -ly, with *-lely simplified to -ly by haplology.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /?s?mpli/

Adverb

simply (comparative more simply, superlative most simply)

1. (manner) In a simple way or state; considered in or by itself; without addition; alone.

   Antonym: complexly

2. (manner) Plainly; without art or subtlety

   Synonyms: clearly, obviously, unquestionably

3. (manner) Weakly; foolishly; stupidly.

   (Can we find and add a quotation of Johnson to this entry?)

4. (focus) Merely; solely.

   Synonyms: just; see also Thesaurus:merely

5. (degree) absolutely, positively.

   Synonyms: very; see also Thesaurus:very
6. Frankly.

   Synonyms: honestly; see also Thesaurus:actually

Related terms

• single

Translations

Anagrams

• limpsy

Middle English

Adverb

simply

1. Alternative form of symply (adverb)

English

Alternative forms

• wholely
• wholy (obsolete)

Etymology

From Middle English holly, holeliche, holliche (also as halely, hallich, etc.), equivalent to whole +? -ly.

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /?h??li/, [?h??.l?], /?h??lli/, [?h????.l?]
• (US) IPA^(key): /?ho?li/, [?ho?.li], /?ho?li/, [?ho???.li]
• Homophones: holey, holy
• Rhymes: -??li, -??lli
• Hyphenation: whol?ly

Adverb

wholly (not comparable)

1. Completely and entirely; to the fullest extent.
   • Carried somehow, somewhither, for some reason, on these surging floods, were these travelers, of errand not wholly obvious to their fellows, yet of such sort as to call into query alike the nature of their errand and their own relations.
2. Exclusively and solely.

   A creature wholly given to brawls and wine.

Synonyms

• (to the fullest extent): completely, totally; see also Thesaurus:completely
• (exclusively): entirely, solely; see also Thesaurus:solely

Antonyms

• (completely): partly

Translations