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fully

adv.
US //ˈfʊɫi// UK //fˈʊli// ful·ly
  1. 1 completely (adv.)
    B1 Intermediate

    completely or entirely, leaving nothing out.

    to the maximum extent or degree; entirely.

    Example

    I fully understand the situation and I am ready to help.

    Example

    The board of directors fully supports the CEO's decision to expand into the Asian market despite the current economic climate.

    Usage

    Usually placed before a verb or an adjective.
  2. 2 at least (adv.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    used to emphasize that a number or amount is large.

    used as an intensifier before a numerical value to emphasize its magnitude.

    Example

    It took fully three hours to finish the exam.

    Example

    The restoration project took fully six months longer than the contractors had originally estimated in their proposal.

    Usage

    Always placed immediately before the number or quantity it modifies.
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  1. 3 really or totally (adv.)
    C1 Advanced Informal Slang

    used to show that you strongly agree or to make a word stronger.

    used as a general intensifier to emphasize the truth or intensity of a statement.

    Example

    That movie was fully sick.

    Example

    I was fully expecting him to be angry, but he was actually quite calm about the whole mistake.

    Teacher's tip

    This usage is very common in Australian and New Zealand English as a way to say 'definitely' or 'totally'.
Etymology 1

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

Etymology 2

A reference to the phrase "the prisoner was fully committed for trial".

Idioms1 entry

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