Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Containing as much as possible; having no empty space: "full" describes something that holds all it can contain, with no room left.
   • Complete; including all parts or elements: "full" can mean whole, entire, or not lacking any part.
   • Plump or rounded in shape: "full" describes something with a rounded, ample, or well-filled form.
   • Rich and intense in sound, flavor, or color: "full" refers to something that is deep, strong, and not thin or weak.
   • Having eaten to satisfaction: "full" means having had enough food and no longer feeling hungry.

2. Adverb:

   • Completely; entirely: "full" is used to emphasize that an action is done to the maximum extent.
   • Directly; exactly: "full" can mean straight on or precisely on a target.

3. Verb:

   • To make (cloth) denser and thicker by moistening, heating, and pressing: "full" is a technical term for a process in fabric manufacturing.
   • To increase in phase (archaic, for the moon): An older, poetic use meaning to wax toward being a full moon.

4. Noun:

   • The time or phase when the moon is completely illuminated: "the full" refers to the full moon.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:

  • The glass is full of water. (The glass contains the maximum amount of water it can hold.)
  • She gave her full attention to the speaker. (She gave her complete and undivided attention.)
  • The singer has a very full voice. (The singer's voice is rich and powerful.)
  • I can't eat another bite; I'm full. (I have eaten enough and feel satisfied.)

• Adverb:

  • The sun shone full on his face. (The sun shone directly and completely on his face.)
  • He knew full well what the consequences would be. (He knew the consequences completely and very well.)

• Verb:

  • Workers used to full the woven wool to make it thicker. (Workers processed the wool cloth to increase its density.)

• Noun:

  • The harvest moon is brightest at the full. (The moon is at its brightest when it is completely illuminated.)

Advanced Usage

• "in full": completely, without any reduction.

  • Payment must be made in full by the end of the month. (The entire amount must be paid.)

• "to the full": to the greatest possible extent.

  • She lived her life to the full. (She experienced life as completely and intensely as possible.)

• "full of oneself": conceited, overly proud of oneself.

  • Ever since he won the award, he's been so full of himself. (He has become very arrogant.)

Variants and Related Words

• Fully (adv.): Completely.
  • I fully understand the instructions.
• Fullness (n.): The state of being full.
  • The fullness of the flavor was surprising.
• Full-fledged (adj.): Completely developed or trained.
  • She is now a full-fledged doctor.
• Full-grown (adj.): Having reached maturity in size.
  • That is a full-grown oak tree.

Synonyms

• Adjective: filled, packed, complete, entire, whole, plump, rich, deep, satiated.
• Adverb: completely, entirely, directly, squarely.

Related Phrasal Verbs/Combinations

• Full up: completely full, having no more space.
  • The parking lot is full up.
• Full out: at maximum speed, effort, or capacity.
  • The engine was running full out.

Related Idioms

• Full circle: returning to the original position or situation after a series of events.
  • After traveling the world, his career has come full circle back to his hometown.
• Full steam ahead: proceeding with maximum energy and speed.
  • The project was approved, so it's full steam ahead!
• Full of beans: lively, energetic, and in high spirits.
  • The children were full of beans after playing outside.

Verb

1. increase in phase
   • the moon is waxing
2. make (a garment) fuller by pleating or gathering
3. beat for the purpose of cleaning and thickening
   • full the cloth

Adjective

1. having ample fabric
   • the current taste for wide trousers
   • a full skirt
2. being at a peak or culminating point
   • broad daylight
   • full summer
3. having the normally expected amount
   • gives full measure
   • gives good measure
   • a good mile from here
4. (of sound) having marked deepness and body
   • full tones
   • a full voice
5. filled to satisfaction with food or drink
   • a full stomach
6. complete in extent or degree and in every particular
   • a full game
   • a total eclipse
   • a total disaster
7. constituting the full quantity or extent; complete
   • an entire town devastated by an earthquake
   • gave full attention
   • a total failure
8. containing as much or as many as is possible or normal
   • a full glass
   • a sky full of stars
   • a full life
   • the auditorium was full to overflowing

Noun

1. the time when the Moon is fully illuminated
   • the moon is at the full

Adverb

1. to the greatest degree or extent; completely or entirely; (`full' in this sense is used as a combining form)
   • fully grown
   • he didn't fully understand
   • knew full well
   • full-grown
   • full-fledged