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B2 adverb 9 min read

intégralement

Examples Notes & Tips intégralement in 30 Seconds
Explanation intégralement in your Level:
At the A1 level, 'intégralement' is a very advanced word. You don't need to use it yet! Instead, you use 'tout' (all) or 'complètement' (completely). For an A1 student, think of 'intégralement' as a fancy way to say '100%'. If you eat 100% of your apple, a very formal person might say you ate it 'intégralement'. In your early French journey, just focus on seeing the word 'intégral' and knowing it means 'whole'. You might see it on a bottle of 'pain intégral' (whole wheat bread), which is a great way to remember the root of the word. Don't worry about the grammar for now; just recognize that the '-ment' ending usually makes it an adverb, like '-ly' in English. If you see 'intégralement' in a text, just replace it in your mind with 'all' or 'totally'. It's a big word for a simple idea: nothing is missing. Whether it's a bill you paid or a book you read, it means you did the whole thing from start to finish.
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As an A2 learner, you are starting to see more formal language in emails or news snippets. 'Intégralement' might appear when you are talking about money or shopping. For example, if you return an item to a store, you might ask: 'Est-ce que je serai remboursé intégralement ?' (Will I be fully reimbursed?). This is a very useful sentence to learn! At this level, you should start noticing that 'intégralement' is longer and sounds more 'serious' than 'tout'. Use it when you want to emphasize that you aren't just doing 'most' of something, but 'all' of it. It's like the difference between saying 'I finished the book' and 'I read every single page of the book'. You can also use it to describe physical tasks, like 'J'ai nettoyé la cuisine intégralement' (I cleaned the kitchen entirely). It shows you did a very thorough job. Remember, it doesn't change if you are talking about a masculine or feminine thing; it's always 'intégralement'.
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At the B1 level, you are expected to handle more complex situations, like explaining a problem to an insurance company or summarizing a long article. 'Intégralement' becomes a key word for precision. You can use it to clarify that a quote is exact: 'Cette phrase est citée intégralement de l'article' (This sentence is quoted entirely from the article). This is important for academic or professional honesty. You will also see it in descriptions of historical events or travel guides, such as 'La ville a été intégralement reconstruite après la guerre' (The city was entirely rebuilt after the war). At B1, you should practice placing 'intégralement' correctly in the passé composé. Instead of putting it at the end of the sentence, try putting it between the auxiliary and the past participle: 'Il a intégralement payé ses dettes'. This makes your French sound much more natural and sophisticated. It's a great 'power word' to use in your B1 speaking exams to show the examiner you have a wide range of vocabulary beyond just 'très' and 'beaucoup'.
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B2 is the 'sweet spot' for 'intégralement'. At this level, you are expected to understand the nuances of formal French and use specific vocabulary for different contexts. You should use 'intégralement' when discussing legal, financial, or technical topics. For instance, in a debate about intellectual property, you might say, 'On ne peut pas copier intégralement le travail d'autrui sans permission'. You should also be able to distinguish it from 'entièrement' or 'totalement'. While 'totalement' might be used for an opinion ('Je suis totalement d'accord'), 'intégralement' is used for structured entities ('Le manuscrit a été intégralement retrouvé'). You will encounter this word in literature and high-level journalism (like Le Monde or Le Figaro). It often appears in the passive voice, which is a structure you are mastering at B2. Being able to say 'Cette œuvre a été intégralement conçue par l'artiste lui-même' shows a high level of control over both grammar and register.
For C1 learners, 'intégralement' is a tool for stylistic precision. You understand that using this word instead of 'complètement' changes the tone of your writing from 'informal/neutral' to 'professional/academic'. At this level, you should look for the word in complex legal statutes or philosophical treatises. It implies a totality that is systemic. You might use it to describe the implementation of a complex policy: 'La réforme a été intégralement appliquée malgré les protestations'. C1 students should also be aware of the word's role in the 'word family', connecting it to 'intégrité' (integrity) and 'intégrisme' (fundamentalism/extremism). You can use it to add weight to your arguments in a 'dissertation' or a formal presentation. For example, 'Il faut repenser intégralement notre rapport à la consommation'. Here, 'intégralement' suggests a deep, structural change rather than just a surface-level one. You are not just 'totally' rethinking it; you are rethinking every single component part of it.
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At the C2 level, you have near-native mastery. You use 'intégralement' with an effortless understanding of its rhythmic and stylistic impact. You might use it in a literary analysis to discuss how a theme 'imprègne intégralement l'œuvre' (entirely permeates the work). You are also aware of its use in technical fields like mathematics (integral calculus) or computer science (data integrity), though the adverbial form usually remains general. A C2 speaker might use 'intégralement' to create a specific rhetorical effect, perhaps using it in a list of adverbs to emphasize the absolute nature of a statement: 'C'est une erreur absolue, manifeste, et intégralement prouvée'. You understand the subtle difference between 'intégralement' and 'exhaustivement' (exhaustively). While 'exhaustivement' implies that every possibility was explored, 'intégralement' implies that the object itself is complete. Your use of the word is no longer about just being 'correct' but about being 'precise' and 'elegant' in the most demanding linguistic environments.
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Examples Notes & Tips

intégralement in 30 Seconds

  • A formal adverb meaning 'entirely' or 'completely,' specifically highlighting that no part of the whole has been omitted or changed.
  • Commonly found in financial contexts (paying debts), legal documents (quoting texts), and technical descriptions (restoring buildings).
  • Derived from 'intégral,' it shares roots with English 'integrity' and 'integer,' emphasizing the preservation of a complete entity.
  • Placed typically after the conjugated verb or between the auxiliary and past participle in compound tenses for natural flow.

The French adverb intégralement is a high-level vocabulary word that translates most directly to "entirely," "completely," or "in its entirety." While you might already know the word complètement, intégralement carries a more formal, precise, and often legal or financial weight. It suggests that not a single part, penny, or paragraph has been omitted. It is the linguistic equivalent of a 100% completion rate, where the integrity of the whole object or concept remains untouched and fulfilled.

Formal Contexts
In legal documents, you will see this word used to describe the reproduction of a text or the fulfillment of a contract. For example, 'reproduit intégralement' means the text was copied without any edits or deletions.
Financial Contexts
This is the go-to word for debt repayment. If you 'remboursez intégralement' a loan, you have paid back every single cent, including interest and fees.

The word is derived from the adjective intégral, which comes from the Latin integer, meaning 'whole' or 'untouched.' Think of the English word 'integrity' or 'integer' (a whole number). When you use intégralement, you are emphasizing that the 'wholeness' of the subject is preserved. It is less about emotion and more about technical completion.

Le projet a été intégralement financé par des dons privés, ce qui a permis de préserver l'indépendance de l'association.

In everyday speech, French speakers might opt for tout à fait or complètement, but if they are discussing a formal agreement, a book they read from cover to cover, or a movie they watched without skipping a second, intégralement adds a layer of precision that other adverbs lack. It implies a systematic approach to completion.

J'ai lu ce roman intégralement en une seule nuit, sans m'arrêter une seule fois.

Physical vs. Abstract
While it can describe physical things (like a building being destroyed), it is most powerful when describing abstract data, time, or legal obligations.

Ultimately, intégralement is about the absence of gaps. It is the adverb of the perfectionist and the auditor. Whether it is a building being intégralement renovated or a speech being intégralement retranscribed, the focus is on the exhaustive nature of the action. It leaves no room for partiality.

Using intégralement correctly requires an understanding of French adverb placement. Generally, adverbs in French follow the conjugated verb in simple tenses and are placed between the auxiliary and the past participle in compound tenses (like the passé composé). Because intégralement is a longer adverb ending in -ment, its placement can sometimes be flexible for emphasis, but the standard rules usually apply.

Les frais de déplacement ont été intégralement pris en charge par l'entreprise.

In the example above, the adverb is placed right after the auxiliary 'été' (from 'être' in the passive voice). This is the most common position in professional writing. If you were to place it at the end of the sentence, it would add a dramatic pause: 'Les frais ont été pris en charge, intégralement.' This structure is rare and usually reserved for oral emphasis.

With Infinitives
When using an infinitive, intégralement typically follows the infinitive. For example: 'Il est impossible de traduire intégralement ce poème sans perdre son essence.'
With Negation
In negative sentences, it usually follows the 'pas'. For example: 'Le montant n'a pas été intégralement remboursé.'

One of the most common mistakes for English speakers is trying to use 'entièrement' and 'intégralement' interchangeably in every situation. While they are often synonyms, intégralement is preferred when referring to a 'whole' that is made of constituent parts (like a text made of words, or a debt made of euros). If you are talking about a feeling, like 'I am completely happy,' you would use 'tout à fait' or 'totalement,' not 'intégralement.'

Cette œuvre d'art a été intégralement restaurée par des experts du Louvre.

In academic writing, you will often find intégralement used to introduce quotes or data. 'Le discours est reproduit intégralement ci-dessous.' This ensures the reader knows that no censorship or editing has occurred. It is a word that builds trust between the writer and the reader.

Sentence Variation
You can start a sentence with it for extreme emphasis: 'Intégralement, voilà comment nous devons repenser notre stratégie.' (Entirely—that is how we must rethink our strategy.)

You are likely to encounter intégralement in several specific environments. Understanding these contexts will help you recognize the 'vibe' of the word. It is not a word you would typically hear at a rowdy football match, but you will certainly hear it on the evening news or in a courtroom.

The News (Le JT)
Journalists use it to describe the extent of damages or the full text of a new law. 'Le village a été intégralement évacué avant l'inondation' (The village was entirely evacuated before the flood).
Financial News
When a company is bought out: 'La startup a été rachetée intégralement par le groupe Google.'

In French cinema or literary circles, you might hear it during interviews. A director might say, 'Nous avons tourné le film intégralement en extérieur' (We filmed the movie entirely outdoors). This emphasizes the commitment to a specific style or method. It sounds much more deliberate than saying 'tout dehors.'

L'album a été enregistré intégralement en prise directe, sans aucun montage ultérieur.

Another common place is in the world of subscriptions and streaming. A service might advertise: 'Accédez intégralement à notre catalogue de films' (Access our film catalog in its entirety). Here, it serves as a marketing tool to promise no hidden restrictions or 'pay-per-view' walls.

Legal and Administrative
When receiving a tax refund or an insurance payout, the letter will specify if you are being 'remboursé intégralement'. This is the most crucial time to understand the word!

In conclusion, intégralement is the word of transparency and completeness. When you hear it, you should visualize a circle being perfectly closed or a glass being filled to the very brim. It is the language of precision and professional accountability.

Even for advanced learners, intégralement can be tricky because French has many adverbs that mean 'completely.' Avoiding 'false friends' and nuances is key to sounding like a native speaker. Let's look at where people often go wrong.

Mistake 1: Overuse in Casual Speech
Using 'intégralement' when 'tout à fait' or 'complètement' would suffice. If a friend asks if you agree, saying 'Je suis intégralement d'accord' sounds a bit like you are reading a legal contract. It's not grammatically wrong, but it's stylistically 'heavy'.
Mistake 2: Confusing with 'Entièrement'
While very close, 'entièrement' is often used for physical objects (un gâteau entièrement mangé), while 'intégralement' is better for structured things (un texte intégralement cité).

Another common error is the placement of the adverb in compound tenses. English speakers often want to put the adverb at the very end of the sentence because 'entirely' often goes there in English. In French, putting it between the auxiliary and the participle is much more natural.

Incorrect: J'ai payé la facture intégralement. (Though understandable, it's less standard than: J'ai intégralement payé la facture.)

Learners also sometimes confuse the adverb intégralement with the noun l'intégrale (which refers to a complete collection of works, like 'l'intégrale des symphonies de Beethoven'). While related, they function differently in a sentence. You listen to 'l'intégrale,' but the concert was recorded 'intégralement.'

Mistake 3: Adjective Agreement
Adverbs are invariable! Never add an 's' or an 'e' to 'intégralement,' even if the subject it refers to is feminine or plural. It stays exactly as it is.

To truly master intégralement, you must know its neighbors. French is rich with synonyms for 'totally,' each with its own nuance. Choosing the right one will elevate your French from 'functional' to 'fluent.'

Entièrement
The closest synonym. It is slightly more common in everyday speech. Use it for physical objects and general states. 'La maison est entièrement en bois.'
Totalement
Used for emphasis and feelings. 'Je suis totalement perdu.' It has a slightly more subjective or emotional feel than the objective 'intégralement'.
Complètement
The most 'neutral' and versatile choice. When in doubt, 'complètement' usually works, but it lack the professional polish of 'intégralement'.

For more idiomatic or colorful expressions, you might use 'de fond en comble' (from top to bottom), usually used for cleaning or searching. If you want to say you did something from start to finish, you could say 'de A à Z' or 'de bout en bout.'

Comparison:
1. Il a lu le livre intégralement (Formal, precise).
2. Il a lu le livre en entier (Common, conversational).
3. Il a lu le livre de bout en bout (Idiomatic, emphasizes the effort).

When discussing restoration or rebuilding, you might see 'à l'identique.' While not a direct synonym for 'completely,' it implies that something was redone 'entirely' as it was before. For example, 'Le château a été reconstruit à l'identique' (The castle was rebuilt exactly as it was).

Pleinement
This means 'fully' and is often used with 'conscient' (aware) or 'savourer' (to savor/enjoy). 'Je suis pleinement conscient des risques.'

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The root 'integer' is also where we get the English word 'integrity'. So, when you do something 'intégralement', you are doing it with the 'integrity' of the whole object intact!

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ɛ̃.te.ɡʁal.mɑ̃/
US /ɛ̃.te.ɡʁal.mɑ̃/
In French, the stress is usually on the final syllable 'mɑ̃'.
Rhymes With
absolument vraiment tellement rapidement lentement heureusement évidemment totalement
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing the final 't' (it should be silent).
  • Making the 'ment' sound like English 'meant'.
  • Forgetting the nasal 'in' at the start.
  • Stressing the first syllable like in English.
  • Over-pronouncing the 'l' before the 'm'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize due to English cognates like 'integral'.

Writing 4/5

Requires knowledge of adverb placement and formal register.

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Examples by Level

1

Il a mangé la pomme intégralement.

He ate the apple entirely.

Simple adverbial usage after the verb.

2

Le livre est intégralement bleu.

The book is entirely blue.

Adverb modifying an adjective.

3

J'ai lu ce livre intégralement.

I read this book in its entirety.

Direct object before the adverb.

4

C'est intégralement fini.

It is completely finished.

Used with the verb 'être'.

5

Il a payé intégralement le jouet.

He paid for the toy in full.

Passé composé usage.

6

Le mur est intégralement blanc.

The wall is entirely white.

Modifying the adjective 'blanc'.

7

Elle a dormi intégralement la nuit.

She slept through the whole night.

Temporal completion.

8

Le verre est intégralement vide.

The glass is completely empty.

Modifying the adjective 'vide'.

1

Le magasin est intégralement fermé aujourd'hui.

The store is completely closed today.

More formal than 'tout à fait'.

2

Il faut payer intégralement avant lundi.

You must pay in full before Monday.

Infinitive + adverb.

3

Le film a été intégralement tourné à Paris.

The movie was filmed entirely in Paris.

Passive voice construction.

4

J'ai intégralement compris ton message.

I completely understood your message.

Adverb between auxiliary and participle.

5

La maison a été intégralement repeinte.

The house was entirely repainted.

Passive voice.

6

Nous avons intégralement vidé le garage.

We completely emptied the garage.

Passé composé.

7

Elle a intégralement remboursé son amie.

She fully reimbursed her friend.

Financial context.

8

Le texte est intégralement en français.

The text is entirely in French.

Formal description.

1

Le montant du prêt a été intégralement versé.

The loan amount was paid in full.

Formal financial vocabulary.

2

Le discours a été intégralement retranscrit par la presse.

The speech was transcribed in its entirety by the press.

Passive voice with a specific verb.

3

Il a fallu refaire intégralement le site web.

The website had to be completely redone.

Adverb modifying an infinitive.

4

Les victimes seront intégralement indemnisées.

The victims will be fully compensated.

Future passive voice.

5

Cette œuvre est intégralement composée de matériaux recyclés.

This work is entirely composed of recycled materials.

Technical description.

6

Le contrat doit être lu intégralement avant signature.

The contract must be read in its entirety before signing.

Modal verb + passive infinitive.

7

Nous avons intégralement révisé le moteur de la voiture.

We completely overhauled the car engine.

Technical/mechanical context.

8

Le projet est intégralement financé par l'État.

The project is entirely funded by the state.

Administrative context.

1

L'article a été intégralement supprimé du site.

The article was completely removed from the site.

Digital/media context.

2

Il a cité intégralement les propos du ministre.

He quoted the minister's words in their entirety.

Precision in reporting.

3

La somme due doit être réglée intégralement sous huitaine.

The amount due must be settled in full within eight days.

Formal/legal phrasing.

4

Le quartier a été intégralement rénové ces dernières années.

The neighborhood has been completely renovated in recent years.

Urban planning context.

5

Je m'engage à respecter intégralement les clauses du contrat.

I commit to fully respecting the terms of the contract.

Commitment verb + adverb.

6

Le système a été intégralement repensé pour plus d'efficacité.

The system was completely redesigned for more efficiency.

Business/systemic change.

7

Les données ont été intégralement sauvegardées sur le cloud.

The data was entirely backed up to the cloud.

IT/Technical context.

8

L'auteur a intégralement réécrit le dernier chapitre.

The author completely rewrote the last chapter.

Creative process context.

1

Le paysage politique a été intégralement bouleversé par ces élections.

The political landscape was completely upended by these elections.

Metaphorical/abstract use.

2

Cette théorie a été intégralement remise en question par les découvertes récentes.

This theory was completely called into question by recent discoveries.

Academic/scientific context.

3

Le patrimoine a été intégralement légué à une fondation caritative.

The estate was entirely bequeathed to a charitable foundation.

Formal/legal inheritance.

4

L'œuvre de Proust doit être lue intégralement pour en saisir la portée.

Proust's work must be read in its entirety to grasp its scope.

Literary criticism context.

5

Le coût de l'opération sera intégralement déductible des impôts.

The cost of the operation will be fully tax-deductible.

Fiscal/financial nuance.

6

Il a fallu démanteler intégralement le réseau de corruption.

The corruption network had to be completely dismantled.

Abstract systemic action.

7

Le texte original a été intégralement conservé malgré les traductions.

The original text was fully preserved despite translations.

Philological context.

8

L'écosystème local a été intégralement détruit par la pollution.

The local ecosystem was entirely destroyed by pollution.

Environmental context.

1

La phénoménologie husserlienne a été intégralement intégrée à sa pensée.

Husserlian phenomenology was entirely integrated into his thought.

Highly academic/philosophical.

2

Le paradigme économique actuel est intégralement fondé sur la croissance.

The current economic paradigm is entirely based on growth.

Macro-economic analysis.

3

Il s'agit d'une œuvre intégralement dénuée de sens moral apparent.

It is a work entirely devoid of apparent moral meaning.

Nuanced literary description.

4

La structure sociale a été intégralement reconfigurée par la révolution numérique.

The social structure was entirely reconfigured by the digital revolution.

Sociological context.

5

L'argumentation adverse a été intégralement réfutée point par point.

The opposing argument was entirely refuted point by point.

Rhetorical/legal precision.

6

Cette symphonie a été intégralement orchestrée par un élève du maître.

This symphony was entirely orchestrated by a student of the master.

Musicology context.

7

Le concept d'altérité est intégralement au cœur de son dernier essai.

The concept of alterity is entirely at the heart of his latest essay.

Philosophical nuance.

8

La zone a été intégralement décontaminée après l'accident nucléaire.

The area was entirely decontaminated after the nuclear accident.

Technical/scientific precision.

Common Collocations

rembourser intégralement
cité intégralement
reproduit intégralement
financé intégralement
restauré intégralement
consacré intégralement
révisé intégralement
supprimé intégralement
maintenu intégralement
reconstruit intégralement

Common Phrases

En intégralité

— In its entirety. Used as a prepositional phrase instead of the adverb.

Regardez le match en intégralité.

Somme intégralement payée

— Amount paid in full. Standard on invoices.

Votre facture est marquée : somme intégralement payée.

Texte intégralement conforme

— Text fully compliant. Used in legal validation.

La copie est intégralement conforme à l'original.

Vivre intégralement

— To live fully. Used in philosophical or lifestyle contexts.

Il veut vivre intégralement sa passion.

Répondre intégralement

— To answer fully. Used in exams or interviews.

Veuillez répondre intégralement à la question.

S'investir intégralement

— To invest oneself fully. Used for personal commitment.

Elle s'investit intégralement dans son nouveau rôle.

Disparaître intégralement

— To disappear completely. Used for physical or data loss.

Les fichiers ont disparu intégralement.

Prendre en charge intégralement

— To cover entirely (costs). Common for insurance.

L'assurance prend en charge intégralement les soins.

Dépendre intégralement

— To depend entirely. Used for relationships or systems.

Le succès dépend intégralement de votre aide.

Maintenir intégralement

— To maintain fully. Used for keeping rules or conditions.

Les mesures de sécurité sont maintenues intégralement.

Idioms & Expressions

"Boire le calice jusqu'à la lie"

— To drink the cup to the dregs (to endure something unpleasant to the very end). Relates to 'intégralement' in the sense of completion.

Il a dû boire le calice jusqu'à la lie dans cette affaire.

Literary
"De fond en comble"

— From top to bottom. Used to describe a complete search or renovation.

La police a fouillé la maison de fond en comble.

Neutral
"De A à Z"

— From A to Z. Doing something from start to finish.

Il connaît le dossier de A à Z.

Informal
"En long, en large et en travers"

— In length, width, and across (thoroughly).

J'ai parcouru la ville en long, en large et en travers.

Informal
"Faire table rase"

— To make a clean slate (to start completely over).

Ils ont décidé de faire table rase du passé.

Neutral
"Partir de zéro"

— To start from scratch.

Après l'incendie, il a fallu repartir de zéro.

Neutral
"Mettre les points sur les i"

— To dot the i's (to be perfectly clear and thorough).

Il a mis les points sur les i intégralement.

Neutral
"S'en donner à cœur joie"

— To do something to one's heart's content (fully).

Les enfants s'en donnent à cœur joie dans le jardin.

Neutral
"Passer au peigne fin"

— To go through with a fine-tooth comb (to search entirely).

Ils ont passé le texte au peigne fin.

Neutral
"Ne pas en perdre une miette"

— To not lose a crumb (to enjoy/listen to every single bit).

Elle écoutait le récit sans en perdre une miette.

Informal

Word Family

Nouns

l'intégralité (totality)
l'intégrale (complete collection)
l'intégration (integration)
l'intégrisme (fundamentalism)

Verbs

intégrer (to integrate)
réintégrer (to reintegrate)

Adjectives

intégral (whole/full)
intégrant (integral/part of)

Related

entier
total
complet
intègre
intégrité
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Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of an 'Integer' in math. An integer is a 'whole' number. 'Intégralement' is doing something to the 'whole' thing.

Visual Association

Imagine a pie chart where the slice is moving until it fills the entire circle (100%). That movement is 'intégralement'.

Word Web

100% Whole No gaps Formal Legal Complete Entire Integer

Challenge

Try to use 'intégralement' in a sentence about a movie you watched recently, emphasizing that you didn't miss a single scene.

Word Origin

Derived from the French adjective 'intégral', which comes from the Latin 'integer', meaning 'untouched' or 'whole'. The suffix '-ment' is added to the feminine form of the adjective to create the adverb.

Original meaning: Untouched, whole, or complete in its original state.

Romance (Latin root)

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities; it is a neutral, formal term.

English speakers often say 'fully' or 'in full'. 'Intégralement' is the perfect formal match for these expressions.

L'intégrale des œuvres de Victor Hugo (Common book set title). Le remboursement intégral (A common political promise). La version intégrale (The 'Uncut' or 'Director's Cut' version of a film).
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