# entirely

/ɪnˈtaɪɝɫi/ (US) · /ɛntˈaɪəli/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/entirely
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. completely

adverb · CEFR B2

completely or 100%; used to show that something is true in every way.

For teachers: to the full or entire extent; used as a maximizer to indicate total completion or absolute degree.

- I am not entirely sure if the shop is still open at this hour.
- The success of the project depends entirely on the team's ability to coordinate their efforts across different time zones.

Usage: Usually placed before an adjective or a verb to emphasize a total state.

### 2. solely

adverb · CEFR C1 · Formal

only or purely; used when there is nothing else involved.

For teachers: to the exclusion of others; used to indicate that a situation or cause is restricted to a single factor.

- The book is entirely about her life growing up in a small village.
- The committee's decision was based entirely on the financial reports, disregarding the social implications of the proposed cuts.

Usage: Often used in formal contexts to isolate a single cause or reason.

## Examples

- The two situations are entirely different.
- I agree with your proposal entirely and think we should start the project immediately.
- The success of the restoration project depends entirely on the availability of historical materials that match the original structure's unique composition.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.