English Reference
adverb · interjection

totally

adv. · interj.
US /ˈtoʊtəɫi/ UK /tˈəʊtəli/ to·tal·ly

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    adv.completely or 100 percent.

    adv.to the fullest extent or degree; used to indicate that something is absolute or exhaustive.

    Simple

    The two brothers look totally different from each other.

    In context

    The research team found that the new data was totally inconsistent with the results of the previous decade's study.

  2. 02 B1 Intermediate Informal

    adv.used to emphasize that something is true or that you agree.

    adv.used as a modal intensifier to express certainty or strong agreement.

    Simple

    I totally forgot that we had a meeting this morning.

    In context

    I totally understand why you feel frustrated with the current situation, given the lack of communication from management.

  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate InformalSlang

    interj.a way to say 'yes' or 'I agree with you' in a very casual way.

    interj.used as a standalone affirmative response to indicate complete agreement with a previous statement.

    Simple

    "That movie was so boring." "Totally."

    In context

    "We should probably head out before the traffic gets worse." "Totally; let's grab our coats."} ]

Usage totally different · totally unacceptable · totally inappropriate


From total + -ly.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Very common
Updated