entirely

/ɪnˈtaɪəli/ (bre, ipa) · /ɪnˈtaɪərli/ (ame, ipa) · /in-ˈtī(-ə)r-lē ˈen-ˌtī(-ə)r-/ (ame, mw)

entirely — adverb

1. used to say that something is true in every possible way or to the greatest degr

1.副詞B1
釋義

used to say that something is true in every possible way or to the greatest degree, without any limits or exceptions

例句

Diya was entirely focused on finishing her painting before the exhibition.

entirely + focused on — collocation for complete concentration

The storm destroyed the old fishing village entirely, leaving nothing behind.

verb + entirely — adverb placed after the verb

同義詞
  • completely

    the most common equivalent; slightly less emphatic than 'entirely'

  • totally

    more informal and often used in everyday speech

  • fully

    suggests covering every part or aspect; common with verbs like 'understand' or 'support'

反義詞
  • partly

    indicates only some degree, not all

  • partially

    slightly more formal than 'partly'; common in academic contexts

文法句型

entirely + adjective

verb + entirely

not entirely + adjective

用法筆記

Adverb of degree that is non-gradable — avoid using with comparative structures like 'more entirely' in formal writing. Works with 'not' to express partial doubt or politeness: 'I am not entirely sure.'

常見錯誤

❌I am very entirely happy with the result.
✅I am entirely happy with the result.
💡'entirely' is absolute and cannot be intensified by 'very'.
❌The report was more entirely wrong than I thought.
✅The report was entirely wrong.
💡'entirely' does not accept comparative forms.

2. used to show that only one person, thing, or reason is involved and nothing or n

2.副詞B2
釋義

used to show that only one person, thing, or reason is involved and nothing or nobody else — for example, when a decision is based on one factor alone, or a cost is carried by one party

例句

The success of the charity event depends entirely on local volunteers.

depends entirely on — key collocation showing sole reliance

Beatrix's decision to study abroad was based entirely on her research interests.

based entirely on — passive construction for exclusive basis

同義詞
  • solely

    the closest synonym; more formal and legal-sounding

  • exclusively

    implies a deliberate restriction to one group or purpose

  • purely

    emphasises the single nature of a reason or motive

反義詞
  • partly

    indicates multiple contributors or reasons

  • collectively

    indicates a group effort or shared responsibility

文法句型

depends entirely on + noun

based entirely on + noun

entirely for + noun

用法筆記

Frequently paired with passive verbs (be borne entirely by, be based entirely on, be funded entirely by). The prepositional complement (on, by, for) carries the exclusive reference. Distinguish from sense 1: in this sense, 'entirely' emphasises exclusion of alternatives, not degree.

常見錯誤

❌The cake was made entirely of chocolate, but it also had nuts.
✅The cake was made entirely of chocolate.
💡if nuts were included, 'mainly' or 'mostly' is more accurate. Use 'entirely' only when no other ingredient is involved.
❌I entirely agree with your plan.' (when meaning 'only I agree')
✅I entirely agree with your plan.' (this can be ambiguous
💡for sense 2, rephrase to 'I alone agree with your plan'.)