Definition

1. Adverb:
   • Completely, entirely, to the full extent: Used to indicate that something is total, absolute, or without any exception or reservation.

Usage

• Wholly is used to modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs to emphasize that something is complete in every aspect.
• It is often used in formal or written contexts.
• It can be placed before the adjective, participle, or verb it modifies.

Examples

• Modifying an adjective:
  • She was wholly responsible for the project's success.
  • This is a wholly different approach to the problem.
• Modifying a verb or participle:
  • I wholly agree with your assessment.
  • The plan was wholly approved by the committee.
• Modifying an adverb (less common):
  • The system failed wholly unexpectedly.

Advanced Usage

• "Wholly owned subsidiary": A business term for a company whose entire stock is owned by another company.
  • The factory operates as a wholly owned subsidiary of the multinational corporation.
• "Wholly and solely": A legal or formal phrase for emphasis, meaning exclusively.
  • The decision was based wholly and solely on the evidence presented.

Variants and Related Words

• Whole (adjective, noun): Complete, entire; a thing that is complete in itself.
  • He told the whole story.
• Wholeness (noun): The state of being complete or entire.
  • She sought a sense of wholeness and peace.

Synonyms

• Completely: In every way or as much as possible.
• Entirely: To the complete or full extent.
• Totally: In a complete or absolute manner.
• Fully: Completely or entirely; to the fullest extent.
• Altogether: Completely, totally (often used for emphasis).

Antonyms

• Partially: Only in part; to a limited extent.
• Partly: To some extent; not completely.

Notes on Usage

• Wholly is synonymous with , , and . The choice among them can depend on formality or collocation.
• Wholly is less common in casual speech than or .
• Avoid confusing wholly (adverb) with holy (adjective, meaning sacred).

Adverb

1. to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (`whole' is often used informally for `wholly')
   • he was wholly convinced
   • entirely satisfied with the meal
   • it was completely different from what we expected
   • was completely at fault
   • a totally new situation
   • the directions were all wrong
   • it was not altogether her fault
   • an altogether new approach
   • a whole new idea