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A2 adverb #48 más común 8 min de lectura

completely

Top 48

Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos completely en 30 segundos

Explicación completely in your Level:

At the A1 level, learners start to use 'completely' to describe very simple, physical states. It is often one of the first adverbs they learn to show that something is finished or full. At this stage, the focus is on concrete objects. For example, a student might say 'The glass is completely full' or 'My homework is completely finished.' These sentences use 'completely' to add a simple layer of detail to basic observations. The word helps A1 learners move away from simple 'yes/no' or 'is/is not' descriptions and start expressing the degree of a situation. It is a foundational word that builds confidence in describing the world around them. Teachers often introduce it alongside its opposite, 'partially' or 'a little bit,' to show contrast. Even at this basic level, 'completely' provides a way for students to be emphatic and clear in their communication, which is a key step in language development.

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At the A2 level, students begin to use 'completely' in a wider range of contexts, including describing feelings and more complex actions. They move beyond just physical objects and start saying things like 'I completely forgot' or 'I am completely happy.' This shows a growing ability to use adverbs to modify not just adjectives but also verbs. At this stage, learners are expected to understand that 'completely' means 100% and to use it to emphasize their point in everyday conversations. They also start to recognize it in listening exercises, such as hearing a friend say 'I completely agree with you.' The A2 learner is also learning where to place the word in a sentence, usually before the adjective or after the first verb. This level is where 'completely' becomes a staple of the student's functional vocabulary, allowing them to participate more fully in social interactions and provide more detailed descriptions of their experiences and opinions.

By the B1 level, learners are expected to use 'completely' with more nuance and to start distinguishing it from similar words like 'totally' or 'entirely.' They use it to describe processes and changes, such as 'The city has completely changed over the last ten years.' B1 students also use 'completely' in more formal writing, such as emails or short essays, to provide definitive statements. They understand that 'completely' can be used to show total agreement or total disagreement in a polite way. At this level, students also start to encounter 'completely' in more idiomatic expressions and are able to use it to describe abstract concepts like 'completely honest' or 'completely legal.' Their understanding of the word is no longer just about '100% full' but about the 'completeness' of an idea or a situation. They are also more aware of the 'absolute' adjectives that 'completely' naturally modifies, avoiding common mistakes like 'completely big.'

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At the B2 level, 'completely' is used with a high degree of precision. Learners can use it to create emphasis in complex arguments and to describe subtle differences in meaning. They might say, 'While I don't completely disagree, I have some concerns,' which shows a sophisticated use of the word to soften a disagreement. B2 students are also comfortable using 'completely' in a variety of registers, from casual slang-filled conversations to formal academic reports. They have a strong grasp of collocations, knowing that 'completely' pairs well with words like 'unaware,' 'different,' and 'satisfied.' At this level, the learner is also able to use 'completely' to describe the scope of an action in a way that sounds natural and native-like. They understand the rhythmic and emotional weight the word carries in a sentence and can use it to influence the listener's or reader's perception of the topic being discussed.

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C1 learners use 'completely' as part of a broad and flexible vocabulary. They understand the stylistic implications of using 'completely' versus 'utterly' or 'wholly.' At this level, the word is used to add precision to complex descriptions of human behavior, scientific phenomena, or philosophical ideas. A C1 student might use it in a sentence like, 'The theory was completely debunked by subsequent experiments,' showing an ability to use the word in a high-level academic context. They also recognize the use of 'completely' in literature and can analyze how it contributes to the tone and mood of a text. The C1 learner is also adept at using 'completely' in negative constructions to express partiality or nuance, such as 'It is not completely clear whether the policy will succeed.' Their use of the word is effortless and integrated into a sophisticated command of English grammar and style.

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At the C2 level, 'completely' is used with the mastery of a native speaker. The learner understands all the subtle connotations and pragmatic uses of the word. They can use it for dramatic effect, for precise technical description, or for subtle social maneuvering. A C2 speaker might use 'completely' to emphasize a point in a high-stakes negotiation or to add depth to a poetic description. They are also aware of the historical and etymological roots of the word and how it has evolved in the English language. At this level, the use of 'completely' is perfectly timed and placed within the flow of speech or writing. The learner can also identify and use less common synonyms when 'completely' might feel too repetitive, showing a total (or 'complete') command of the language's resources. For a C2 learner, 'completely' is just one of many tools used to construct complex, nuanced, and powerful communication.

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Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos

completely en 30 segundos

Completely is an adverb that means totally or to the fullest extent possible.
It is used to emphasize that a state or action is 100% finished or true.
Commonly used with adjectives like 'full', 'empty', 'different', and 'sure'.
It helps speakers sound more definitive and certain in their statements.

The adverb completely is a powerful tool in the English language used to indicate that something is done to the maximum possible degree. When we say something is completely finished, we are not just saying it is done; we are emphasizing that there is absolutely nothing left to do. It functions as a 'maximizer' adverb, which means it takes the meaning of the word it modifies and pushes it to its absolute limit. In daily conversation, people use this word to provide clarity and to remove any ambiguity about the state of an object, a feeling, or an action. For example, if a glass is 'completely full,' there is no room for even a single drop more. If a person is 'completely honest,' they are not hiding even the smallest detail. This word is essential for A2 learners because it allows them to express intensity and totality without needing a vast vocabulary of specific synonyms.

Totality: The state of being whole or entire. When you use completely, you are referring to 100% of the subject matter.

Emphasis: Using completely adds a layer of emotional or logical weight to a sentence, making the speaker's point more definitive.

Absoluteness: It is often paired with 'absolute' adjectives—words that don't usually have degrees, like 'dead,' 'finished,' or 'empty.'

I have completely forgotten where I parked my car this morning.

The renovation of the old library is now completely finished.

The two brothers are completely different in their personalities.

She was completely unaware of the surprise party waiting for her.

The project was completely successful according to the final report.

In professional settings, 'completely' is used to provide status updates that are definitive. In social settings, it is used to express strong agreement or total surprise. It is a versatile word that helps bridge the gap between simple descriptions and emphatic statements. Understanding its use helps learners sound more natural and confident in their assertions.

Using completely correctly involves understanding its placement and the types of words it likes to modify. As an adverb, its primary job is to modify adjectives, verbs, or other adverbs. When modifying an adjective, it usually sits right before it: 'The room was completely dark.' When modifying a verb, it often follows the auxiliary verb or comes at the end of the phrase for emphasis: 'I have completely finished' or 'I finished the task completely.' It is important to note that 'completely' is most effective when paired with 'limit' or 'absolute' adjectives—words that represent a final state. For instance, you can be 'completely exhausted' because exhaustion implies a limit, but saying 'completely tall' sounds strange because height is a scale, not a limit.

With Adjectives: It intensifies the adjective to its maximum point. Example: 'The water is completely frozen.'

With Verbs: It describes the thoroughness of an action. Example: 'They completely destroyed the old building.'

In Negatives: It can be used with 'not' to show that something is only partially true. Example: 'That is not completely true.'

The sky turned completely black during the solar eclipse.

We must completely rethink our strategy for the next game.

The movie was completely different from the book it was based on.

Furthermore, 'completely' is often used in the middle of a sentence to provide a smooth transition into an emphatic point. It acts as a signal to the listener that what follows is an absolute fact or a deeply held belief. In writing, it helps to eliminate 'hedging' (being vague), making the prose more direct and authoritative. Whether you are describing a physical state or an abstract concept, 'completely' provides the necessary scale to show that the limit has been reached.

You will encounter the word completely in a wide variety of contexts, from casual coffee shop chats to formal scientific presentations. In everyday speech, it is a favorite for expressing agreement. If someone says, 'It's freezing outside!' a common response is, 'I completely agree.' This usage reinforces social bonds by showing total alignment with another person's perspective. In the world of entertainment, movie critics often use it to describe their experience: 'The plot was completely unpredictable.' In news reporting, it is used to describe the extent of events: 'The town was completely cut off by the floods.' This word is ubiquitous because humans naturally think in extremes when they are excited, frustrated, or impressed.

In Business: Used to confirm that requirements have been met. 'The client is completely satisfied with the results.'

In Technology: Used for system states. 'The battery is completely charged' or 'The data was completely erased.'

I was completely shocked by the news of their engagement.

The new software is completely free for all students to use.

In academic writing, 'completely' is used to describe the scope of research or the exhaustion of a topic. 'The researchers completely analyzed the samples.' It provides a sense of thoroughness and academic rigor. In literature, authors use it to create vivid imagery, describing landscapes that are 'completely desolate' or characters who are 'completely lost.' By paying attention to these different environments, you will see that 'completely' is more than just a filler word; it is a vital descriptor that defines the boundaries of our experiences.

Even though completely is a common word, it is frequently misused by learners. The most frequent error is using it with 'gradable' adjectives that don't represent a limit. For example, saying 'completely big' or 'completely interesting' sounds unnatural to native speakers. Instead, we use 'very big' or 'extremely interesting.' 'Completely' should be reserved for 'un-gradable' or 'limit' adjectives like 'full,' 'empty,' 'dead,' 'finished,' or 'wrong.' Another common mistake is its placement in a sentence. While English is flexible, putting 'completely' at the very beginning of a sentence (e.g., 'Completely I forgot') is usually incorrect. It should follow the subject and auxiliary verb.

Redundancy: Avoid 'completely finished' in formal writing if 'finished' alone is enough, though it is common in speech for emphasis.

Confusion with 'Totally': While often interchangeable, 'totally' is much more informal and slangy than 'completely.'

Incorrect: He is completely tall. Correct: He is very tall.

Incorrect: I completely like it. Correct: I really like it.

Learners also sometimes confuse 'completely' with 'entirely' or 'fully.' While they are synonyms, 'fully' is often used with capacities (fully loaded) and 'entirely' is often used with abstract thoughts (entirely convinced). Using 'completely' is usually the safest bet for A2 learners, but as you progress, you should notice these subtle differences. Finally, be careful not to use 'completely' as a response on its own unless you are answering a 'how much' question. If someone asks 'Are you ready?', responding with just 'Completely!' is fine, but 'I am completely' is incomplete grammar.

To enrich your vocabulary, it is helpful to look at words that share a similar space with completely. These alternatives can help you sound more precise or adjust your tone from informal to formal. Common synonyms include totally, entirely, fully, wholly, and utterly. Each of these carries a slightly different 'flavor.' For example, 'utterly' is often used with negative adjectives like 'utterly ridiculous' or 'utterly destroyed,' giving it a more dramatic and sometimes darker tone. 'Fully,' on the other hand, is very common in technical or functional contexts, such as 'fully functional' or 'fully recovered.'

Totally: Very common in casual speech. 'I totally forgot about the meeting!'

Entirely: Sounds slightly more formal. 'The decision was entirely based on the facts.'

Utterly: Used for extreme emphasis, often with negative or surprising words. 'The silence was utterly deafening.'

The two plans are entirely unrelated to each other.

I fully support your decision to go back to school.

When choosing an alternative, consider the 'collocation'—the words that naturally go together. We say 'fully aware' but rarely 'entirely aware.' We say 'completely different' but also 'totally different.' By learning these pairings, you will move beyond the A2 level and start speaking with the nuance of a B1 or B2 learner. Always remember that while these words are similar, 'completely' remains the 'gold standard' for expressing totality in English.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Jerga

Dato curioso

The root 'plere' is also found in words like 'plenty', 'supply', and 'replenish', all of which have something to do with filling or having enough.

Guía de pronunciación

UK /kəmˈpliːt.li/

US /kəmˈpliːt.li/

The stress is on the second syllable: com-PLE-tely.

Rima con

discreetly sweetly neatly featly concretely fleetly meetly obsoletely

Errores comunes

Pronouncing the first 'o' like 'oh' instead of a schwa /ə/.
Skipping the 't' sound entirely, making it sound like 'compleely'.
Putting the stress on the first syllable.
Making the 'ee' sound too short.
Pronouncing the 'ly' like 'lie'.

Nivel de dificultad

Lectura 2/5

Easy to recognize in text as it follows standard adverb patterns.

Escritura 3/5

Requires knowledge of which adjectives it can and cannot modify.

Expresión oral 2/5

Very useful for emphasis and easy to pronounce once the stress is learned.

Escucha 2/5

Clear pronunciation makes it easy to catch in conversation.

Qué aprender después

Requisitos previos

complete full finish all very

Aprende después

entirely totally absolutely extremely partially

Avanzado

utterly wholly comprehensively thoroughly radically

Gramática que debes saber

Adverb Placement

Adverbs like 'completely' usually go before the adjective they modify (e.g., completely full).

Mid-position Adverbs

In a verb phrase, 'completely' often goes after the first auxiliary verb (e.g., I have completely finished).

Non-gradable Adjectives

Completely is used with non-gradable adjectives like 'dead', 'finished', or 'unique'.

Negative Adverbs

When used with 'not', it means 'partially' (e.g., It's not completely finished).

Intensifiers

Completely acts as a maximizer, showing the highest degree possible.

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Ejemplos por nivel

The glass is completely full of water.

Le verre est complètement plein d'eau.

Completely modifies the adjective 'full'.

My room is completely clean now.

Ma chambre est complètement propre maintenant.

Used after the verb 'is'.

The box is completely empty.

La boîte est complètement vide.

Completely emphasizes the state of the box.

I am completely finished with my lunch.

J'ai complètement fini mon déjeuner.

Used with the past participle 'finished'.

The cat is completely white.

Le chat est complètement blanc.

Modifies a color adjective.

It is completely dark outside.

Il fait complètement noir dehors.

Describes a physical environment.

The car is completely new.

La voiture est complètement neuve.

Shows the degree of 'newness'.

I completely understand the lesson.

Je comprends complètement la leçon.

Modifies the verb 'understand'.

I completely forgot about your birthday!

J'ai complètement oublié ton anniversaire !

Used for emphasis with a past tense verb.

The two sisters are completely different.

Les deux sœurs sont complètement différentes.

Completely shows a total contrast.

Are you completely sure about this?

Es-tu complètement sûr de cela ?

Used in a question to check certainty.

The movie was completely boring.

Le film était complètement ennuyeux.

Intensifies a negative adjective.

We were completely lost in the city.

Nous étions complètement perdus dans la ville.

Describes a state of being.

The cake is completely gone.

Le gâteau a complètement disparu.

Shows that nothing remains.

I completely agree with your idea.

Je suis complètement d'accord avec ton idée.

A common phrase for agreement.

The phone is completely broken.

Le téléphone est complètement cassé.

Describes the extent of damage.

The town was completely destroyed by the storm.

La ville a été complètement détruite par la tempête.

Passive voice construction.

He was completely unaware of the changes.

Il n'était pas du tout au courant des changements.

Used with 'unaware' to show total lack of knowledge.

The situation is completely under control.

La situation est complètement sous contrôle.

Part of a prepositional phrase.

I have completely recovered from my illness.

Je me suis complètement rétabli de ma maladie.

Present perfect tense.

The results were completely unexpected.

Les résultats étaient complètement inattendus.

Modifies 'unexpected'.

She completely ignored my advice.

Elle a complètement ignoré mes conseils.

Shows the thoroughness of the action.

The building is completely made of glass.

Le bâtiment est complètement fait de verre.

Describes composition.

It is not completely clear what happened.

Ce n'est pas tout à fait clair ce qui s'est passé.

Negative use to show partiality.

The project was a completely successful venture.

Le projet a été une entreprise totalement réussie.

Modifies the adjective 'successful'.

I am completely satisfied with the service.

Je suis complètement satisfait du service.

Formal expression of satisfaction.

The two theories are completely incompatible.

Les deux théories sont complètement incompatibles.

Used with a complex adjective.

He has completely transformed his life.

Il a complètement transformé sa vie.

Shows a total change.

The evidence is completely overwhelming.

Les preuves sont tout à fait accablantes.

Describes the strength of evidence.

I completely misread the situation.

J'ai complètement mal interprété la situation.

Modifies the verb 'misread'.

The landscape was completely desolate.

Le paysage était complètement désolé.

Used for literary description.

They are completely dedicated to the cause.

Ils sont complètement dévoués à la cause.

Describes a state of commitment.

The argument was completely devoid of logic.

L'argument était complètement dépourvu de logique.

Used with 'devoid of' to show total absence.

The company has completely restructured its operations.

L'entreprise a complètement restructuré ses opérations.

Professional/Business context.

His testimony was completely discredited.

Son témoignage a été complètement discrédité.

Legal/Formal context.

The species is now completely extinct.

L'espèce est maintenant complètement éteinte.

Describes a final biological state.

The results were completely consistent with our hypothesis.

Les résultats étaient tout à fait cohérents avec notre hypothèse.

Academic/Scientific context.

I was completely mesmerized by the performance.

J'ai été complètement hypnotisé par la performance.

Describes a deep emotional state.

The two concepts are completely distinct.

Les deux concepts sont complètement distincts.

Used for precise categorization.

The system is completely autonomous.

Le système est complètement autonome.

Technical description of independence.

The narrative is completely intertwined with historical facts.

Le récit est complètement entrelacé de faits historiques.

Describes a complex relationship.

The silence was completely absolute.

Le silence était tout à fait absolu.

Redundant for emphasis in literature.

Her influence was completely pervasive throughout the era.

Son influence était tout à fait omniprésente tout au long de l'époque.

Describes a widespread effect.

The logic is completely sound, yet the conclusion is startling.

La logique est tout à fait saine, pourtant la conclusion est surprenante.

Used in high-level analytical discussion.

The old traditions have completely vanished from the region.

Les vieilles traditions ont complètement disparu de la région.

Describes cultural loss.

He was completely oblivious to the social cues.

Il était complètement inconscient des codes sociaux.

Describes a specific psychological state.

The masterpiece was completely restored to its original glory.

Le chef-d'œuvre a été complètement restauré dans sa gloire originelle.

Describes a meticulous process.

The treaty was completely abrogated by the new government.

Le traité a été complètement abrogé par le nouveau gouvernement.

Highly formal/legal vocabulary.

Colocaciones comunes

completely different

completely new

completely forgot

completely agree

completely full

completely empty

completely satisfied

completely unaware

completely destroyed

completely free

Frases Comunes

I completely agree.

— Used to show that you have the exact same opinion as someone else.

When he said the food was great, I said, 'I completely agree.'

Completely and utterly.

— A very strong way to say 'totally' for extra emphasis.

The mission was a completely and utterly failure.

Not completely.

— Used to say that something is only partly true or finished.

I'm not completely sure about the time.

Completely different story.

— Used to say that a situation is very different from another one.

He's nice at work, but at home, it's a completely different story.

Completely out of it.

— Used to describe someone who is very tired, confused, or not thinking clearly.

After the long flight, I was completely out of it.

Completely at a loss.

— Used when you don't know what to do or say.

I was completely at a loss for words.

Completely off the mark.

— Used when someone's guess or statement is totally wrong.

Your estimate was completely off the mark.

Completely nuts.

— Informal way to say someone or something is crazy.

That idea is completely nuts!

Completely sold on.

— Used when you are totally convinced that something is good.

I'm completely sold on this new car.

Completely in the dark.

— Used when you have no information about something.

They kept me completely in the dark about the plans.

Se confunde a menudo con

completely vs very

'Very' is for degrees (very hot), while 'completely' is for totals (completely finished).

completely vs mostly

'Mostly' means about 80-90%, while 'completely' means 100%.

completely vs really

'Really' shows truth or high degree, while 'completely' shows totality.

Modismos y expresiones

"A completely different kettle of fish"

— A situation that is totally different from the one previously mentioned.

Learning to read is one thing, but writing a book is a completely different kettle of fish.

informal

"Completely wipe out"

— To destroy something totally or to be very tired.

The storm completely wiped out the crops.

neutral

"Completely blow someone's mind"

— To surprise or impress someone very much.

The special effects in that movie completely blew my mind.

informal

"Completely lose one's cool"

— To become very angry or upset suddenly.

He completely lost his cool when he saw the broken window.

informal

"Completely in the clear"

— No longer in danger or under suspicion.

After the investigation, he was completely in the clear.

neutral

"Completely go to seed"

— To decline in quality or appearance through neglect.

The old garden has completely gone to seed.

informal

"Completely out of the blue"

— Happening suddenly and unexpectedly.

The news came completely out of the blue.

neutral

"Completely up in the air"

— Not yet decided or settled.

Our holiday plans are still completely up in the air.

informal

"Completely down the drain"

— Totally wasted or lost.

All our hard work went completely down the drain.

informal

"Completely off the hook"

— No longer in trouble or responsible for something.

Since he found the real thief, I'm completely off the hook.

informal

Fácil de confundir

completely vs totally

They have the same meaning.

'Totally' is much more informal and common in teenage or casual slang. 'Completely' is safer for all situations.

Casual: I totally agree. Neutral: I completely agree.

completely vs entirely

They both mean 100%.

'Entirely' often refers to the whole of an abstract thing, while 'completely' is used more for states and actions.

The book is entirely about cats. The glass is completely full.

completely vs fully

Both indicate a full degree.

'Fully' is often used with capacities, amounts, or being 'fully aware'.

The battery is fully charged. I am completely sure.

completely vs utterly

Both mean 100%.

'Utterly' is more dramatic and often used with negative words like 'ridiculous' or 'failed'.

It was utterly impossible. It was completely finished.

completely vs perfectly

Both can mean 'totally' in some contexts.

'Perfectly' implies that something is done without any mistakes or is exactly right.

The plan worked perfectly. The plan is completely finished.

Patrones de oraciones

Subject + is + completely + adjective.

The cup is completely full.

Subject + completely + verb.

I completely forgot.

Subject + have + completely + past participle.

We have completely finished the work.

Subject + is + not + completely + adjective.

The answer is not completely correct.

It + is + completely + adjective + to + verb.

It is completely normal to feel nervous.

Subject + is + completely + devoid of + noun.

The room was completely devoid of furniture.

Subject + is + completely + consistent + with + noun.

The data is completely consistent with our findings.

Adverbial phrase + subject + was + completely + verb-ed.

To our surprise, the building was completely demolished.

Familia de palabras

Sustantivos

Verbos

Adjetivos

Relacionado

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Cómo usarlo

frequency

Very high in both spoken and written English.

Errores comunes

Using 'completely' with gradable adjectives. → He is very tall.
You cannot be 'completely tall' because height is a scale, not a limit. Use 'very' instead.
Incorrect placement in the sentence. → I completely forgot.
Don't put 'completely' at the start of the sentence like 'Completely I forgot.' It should go before the verb.
Saying 'completely very'. → It is completely finished.
Both words do the same job. Using them together is redundant and sounds strange to native speakers.
Confusing 'completely' with 'mostly'. → The glass is completely full.
If there is any space left in the glass, it is 'mostly' full, not 'completely' full.
Using 'completely' as an adjective. → It is a complete mess.
'Completely' is an adverb. Use 'complete' when you want to modify a noun.

Consejos

Use with Absolute Adjectives

Pair 'completely' with words that represent a final state, like 'empty', 'full', 'dead', or 'finished'. This makes your English sound more natural.

Placement is Key

Always place 'completely' before the adjective it modifies. Saying 'The glass full completely is' is incorrect. It should be 'The glass is completely full.'

Emphasis for Agreement

Use 'I completely agree' to show strong support. It is a very common and useful phrase in both social and professional settings.

Avoid Overuse

If you use 'completely' in every sentence, it loses its power. Save it for things that are truly 100% or when you really want to emphasize a point.

Check for Redundancy

In formal essays, see if 'completely' is necessary. 'The city was destroyed' is often as strong as 'The city was completely destroyed.'

Listen for the 'PLE'

The stress on the second syllable helps you identify the word even in fast speech. It often sounds like 'kuhm-PLEET-lee'.

The Schwa Sound

The first 'o' is a very soft 'uh' sound. Don't say 'com' like 'computer' with a strong 'o'. Say 'kuhm'.

Synonym Choice

If you are writing a story, try 'utterly' for negative things and 'fully' for positive things to add variety to your writing.

100% Rule

Always remember that 'completely' equals 100%. If it's 99%, it's not 'completely'.

Politeness

Using 'I completely understand' is a great way to show empathy and build rapport with others.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Think of a 'COMplete' 'PLEte' (plate) that is 'LY' (lying) on the table after you have eaten everything. It is completely empty!

Asociación visual

Imagine a battery icon that is 100% green. That battery is completely charged.

Word Web

Total Full Finished 100% Entire Absolute Whole Perfect

Desafío

Try to use the word 'completely' three times in your next conversation to describe how you feel or what you have done.

Origen de la palabra

The word 'completely' comes from the adjective 'complete', which originated in the late 14th century. It is derived from the Old French word 'complet', which in turn comes from the Latin 'completus', the past participle of 'complere'.

Significado original: The Latin 'complere' means 'to fill up' or 'to finish'. It is a combination of 'com-' (an intensive prefix) and 'plere' (to fill).

Indo-European (Latinate/Romance influence on English).

Contexto cultural

Generally a safe and neutral word, but be careful when using it to describe people (e.g., 'completely crazy') as it can be offensive.

Commonly used in customer service to reassure clients: 'We are completely committed to your satisfaction.'

The song 'Completely' by Jennifer Day. The movie 'Completely Unknown'. Commonly used in movie taglines to describe 'completely new' experiences.

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

At Home

The fridge is completely empty.
I completely cleaned the kitchen.
The TV is completely broken.
I'm completely tired.

At Work

The report is completely finished.
I completely agree with the plan.
We need a completely new strategy.
The client is completely satisfied.

Traveling

We are completely lost.
The hotel is completely full.
I completely forgot my passport.
The weather is completely different here.

Socializing

I completely understand how you feel.
That is completely true!
I'm completely surprised!
We had a completely great time.

Shopping

This dress is completely perfect.
The store is completely out of milk.
Is this completely free?
The price is completely reasonable.

Inicios de conversación

"Have you ever completely forgotten something important?"

"Do you think people can ever be completely honest with each other?"

"What is something that is completely different in your country compared to here?"

"Have you ever been completely surprised by a movie ending?"

"What is a task that you find completely boring to do?"

Temas para diario

Write about a time you were completely lost. How did you find your way back?

Describe a day that was completely perfect from start to finish.

Is there a habit you want to completely change? Why and how?

Write about a person who is completely different from you. What do you learn from them?

Describe a place that was completely empty. How did it make you feel?

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

No, this is a common mistake. 'Completely' and 'very' are both intensifiers, and using them together is redundant. Choose one based on whether you mean a high degree (very) or a total amount (completely).

It is neutral. You can use it in a casual conversation with friends or in a formal business report. It is a very versatile word.

'Totally' is more informal. In a job interview, it is better to use 'completely' or 'entirely'. In a coffee shop with friends, 'totally' is very common.

It sounds a bit strange. Native speakers usually say 'very good' or 'absolutely wonderful'. 'Completely' works better with 'different', 'new', or 'finished'.

Usually before the adjective (completely full) or after the first verb (I have completely finished).

Technically, yes, because 'finished' already means it's done. However, people use it all the time for emphasis to show that there is absolutely nothing left to do.

Yes, it is often used for negative things like 'completely destroyed', 'completely forgotten', or 'completely wrong'.

The most direct opposites are 'partially', 'partly', or 'slightly'.

Yes, if someone asks 'Are you sure?', you can answer 'Completely!' for strong emphasis.

No, it is an adverb. The adjective form is 'complete'.

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