ENGLISH
REFERENCE

thoroughly

adv. manner
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford US //ˈθɝoʊɫi// UK //θˈʌɹəli// thor·ough·ly General-service

adv. in a very careful and complete way so that nothing is forgotten. You use this when you want to say you did something from start to finish with great attention to detail.

adv. in a comprehensive and exhaustive manner; to the fullest extent possible. Often used to modify verbs of investigation, cleaning, or emotional states.


SIMPLE

She cleaned the kitchen thoroughly before the guests arrived.

CONTEXTUAL

The police searched the building thoroughly but found no evidence of a break-in.

COMPLEX

Before signing the contract, the legal team reviewed every clause thoroughly to ensure there were no hidden liabilities that could jeopardize the merger.

Synonyms
Origin

From thorough + -ly.

Usage

Typically placed after the verb or at the end of the clause; can also precede the main verb for emphasis.

Pitfall

I thoroughly the book readI read the book thoroughlyWhile 'thoroughly' can precede the verb, it cannot sit between the subject and the verb if the sentence structure is disrupted; it most naturally follows the object.

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