entirely
- 1Completely, to the full degree, with nothing remaining or excluded.
The old bridge was entirely rebuilt after the flood.
His reasoning was entirely sound, and no one could find a flaw in it.
UsageNot entirely is a soft, polite way of saying "partly": not entirely sure, not entirely true.
Similarcompletely, totally, wholly, fully, utterly
- 2Solely, to the exclusion of everything else.
His recovery was due entirely to months of careful treatment.
Responsibility for the error lies entirely with the supplier.
UsageOften before a phrase naming the only cause or person: due entirely to luck, the choice rests entirely with you.
Similarsolely, exclusively, purely, only
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Origin
From Middle English entyerly (also entierly, enterely), equivalent to "entire" combined with the suffix "-ly".
Checked 5 Nov 2026 · 3 facts
- Entirely derives from Middle English entyerly. en.wiktionary.org
- Entierly and enterely are alternative Middle English forms. en.wiktionary.org
- The formation is equivalent to entire plus the suffix -ly. en.wiktionary.org