Definition

Adverb 1. Completely, to the fullest extent or degree: Used to emphasize that an action is done without reservation, limitation, or interruption from start to finish. 2. To the final point or destination: Used to indicate movement or progress through the entire distance or duration to a specified endpoint.

Usage Examples

• Completely:
  • He supported the candidate all the way. (He gave his complete and unwavering support.)
  • I agree with you all the way on that issue. (I agree with you completely.)
• To the final point:
  • The road goes all the way to the coast. (The road extends the complete distance until it reaches the coast.)
  • She stayed with the project all the way to its completion. (She remained involved for the entire duration until it was finished.)

Advanced Usage

• Not stopping short of sexual intercourse: A specific informal idiom meaning to engage in full sexual relations.
  • Reference example: She went all the way with him.
• Used for emphasis with "from": To highlight a starting point that is very distant or different, contrasting with the endpoint.
  • He came all the way from Australia to attend the wedding. (Emphasizes the great distance traveled.)
  • This idea has evolved all the way from a simple sketch to a finished product. (Emphasizes the complete journey of development.)

Variants and Related Words

• The whole way: A near-synonymous phrase often used interchangeably, especially for literal distances.
  • We walked the whole way.
• All the way through: Often used to emphasize experiencing or doing something completely without skipping parts.
  • I watched the movie all the way through.
• Go the distance: An idiom meaning to continue until something is completely finished, often against difficulty.
  • It's a tough challenge, but I'm prepared to go the distance.

Synonyms

• Completely
• Entirely
• The whole distance
• To the end
• Without reservation

Related Phrases

• All the way live (slang): Used to describe something as extremely authentic, exciting, or excellent.
  • That concert was all the way live!
• All the way up (informal): Used to indicate something is at its maximum level, often in terms of volume, intensity, or success.
  • Turn the music all the way up!

Related Idioms

• Go all the way: Can mean to commit fully to a course of action until it is finished, beyond the specific sexual idiom.
  • If we start this project, we have to be prepared to go all the way.
• Be with someone all the way: To support someone completely and without doubt.
  • Don't worry, I'm with you all the way.

Adverb

1. not stopping short of sexual intercourse
   • she went all the way with him
2. completely
   • read the book clear to the end
   • slept clear through the night
   • there were open fields clear to the horizon
3. to the goal
   • she climbed the mountain all the way