full
full — verb
- fullpresent simple I / you / we / they
- fulls3rd person singular
- fulling-ing form
- fulledpast simple
1. when a space or container becomes full after something gradually enters it, so t
when a space or container becomes full after something gradually enters it, so that no more people or things can fit inside.
The reservoir fulls gradually after several days of steady rain.
intransitive present: fulls + adverb (gradually)
The car park was fulling quickly as the exhibition opening approached.
progressive: was fulling + adverb (quickly)
By noon the village hall had fulled with people preparing for the festival.
The old theatre began to full with guests just before the curtain rose.
- empty
to become empty, the opposite process
文法句型
full + (adverb of degree or place)
用法筆記
In modern English this verb is quite rare; speakers usually say 'become full' or 'fill up' instead.
常見錯誤
2. in sewing and dressmaking — to gather or pleat a piece of fabric so that it beco
in sewing and dressmaking — to gather or pleat a piece of fabric so that it becomes wider or looser in a specific area, often to create shape or volume in a garment.
The tailor fulled the waistband before attaching it to the skirt.
transitive: full + [garment part]
To create a softer drape, Karim fulled the fabric along the front panel.
infinitive of purpose + main clause
Mei fulled the sleeves at the shoulder seam to add volume to the blouse.
After fulling the back piece, the dressmaker pinned it to the bodice.
文法句型
full + [fabric/garment part]
用法筆記
This is a technical term used mainly by professional dressmakers and tailors. In everyday language, 'gather' or 'pleat' is more common.
3. in textile manufacturing — to treat woolen fabric with moisture, heat, and press
in textile manufacturing — to treat woolen fabric with moisture, heat, and pressure so that the fibres mat together, making the cloth denser, warmer, and more water-resistant.
The mill workers fulled the woolen cloth in large vats of hot water.
transitive active: full + [cloth] + [method]
In old textile mills, wool was fulled by being beaten with heavy wooden hammers.
passive: be fulled + by [method]
After the tweed had been fulled and dried, it became much softer to the touch.
David fulled the raw wool felt until the fibres bonded tightly together.
文法句型
full + [woolen cloth]
be fulled + (by method)
用法筆記
Often used in the passive voice ('the cloth is fulled'). This historical process, also called 'felting,' is still used by artisanal woollen-mill producers. In modern industry the term 'fulling' is more common than the verb 'full.'
full — noun
1. the highest possible level or the complete amount of something — used mainly in
the highest possible level or the complete amount of something — used mainly in the fixed phrases 'in full', 'to the full', and after verbs like 'eat' or 'drink' (e.g. 'eat your full')
Pim paid the bill in full before leaving the restaurant.
collocation: in full (complete payment)
After recovering, Ayana decided to live life to the full.
collocation: to the full (maximum degree)
The children ate their full at Grandma's birthday dinner.
Kemi wrote her full name in full on the application form.
Imran enjoyed the hike to the full, stopping at every viewpoint.
文法句型
in full
to the full
one's full (after verbs like eat/drink)
用法筆記
Unlike most English nouns, 'full' in this sense cannot follow determiners like 'a', 'the', or 'some' in ordinary use. It is restricted to the fixed phrases listed above.
常見錯誤
full — adjective
- fullpositive
- fullercomparative
- fullestsuperlative
1. holding as much liquid, air, or solid contents as there is room for, so that no
holding as much liquid, air, or solid contents as there is room for, so that no more can be added.
Talia poured water into the glass until it was completely full.
collocation: completely full
The train was so full that Christopher had to stand all the way home.
Wei packed two suitcases full of winter clothes for the trip to Sapporo.
When the car park is full, drivers have to leave their cars on the street.
After dinner the rubbish bin was full of food packaging.
- empty
containing nothing or hardly anything
用法筆記
Can be followed by 'of' to state what is inside: 'a bag full of apples'. Frequently used with adverbs like 'completely', 'half', or 'almost'.
常見錯誤
2. containing a large quantity or number of something, without necessarily being pa
containing a large quantity or number of something, without necessarily being packed to the limit.
The old book in the library was full of beautiful pictures of birds and flowers.
pattern: full of [things/people/substance]
Devika's essay was full of interesting ideas but needed better organisation.
collocation: full of ideas/energy/enthusiasm
The garden was full of bright flowers after the spring rains.
Karim's email was full of typing mistakes and missing words.
The museum website is full of information about each painting and artist.
- lacking
not having enough of something
用法筆記
Used with 'of' followed by a noun phrase describing what is abundant. Common with abstract nouns: 'full of energy', 'full of surprises', 'full of hope'.
常見錯誤
3. involving many different activities, events, or tasks that follow one another wi
involving many different activities, events, or tasks that follow one another with little free time in between.
Baraka had a full day of meetings at the office and came home tired.
collocation: a full day/week/schedule
Manuela's calendar is full for the whole month of December.
Amihan lives a very full life with work, sports, and volunteer activities.
The wedding weekend was full — dinner on Friday, the ceremony on Saturday, and a picnic.
The children have a full week planned with swimming, music camp, and art class.
- free
having no fixed plans or obligations
用法筆記
Usually modifies periods of time (day, week, schedule, calendar) or a person's life. Not used for describing a person's character (use 'busy' instead).
4. unable to stop speaking or reflecting on something that made a strong, positive
unable to stop speaking or reflecting on something that made a strong, positive impression on you — a trip, a show, or a special event.
After her Kyoto trip, Élise was full of stories about the temples and food.
pattern: full of [stories/news/details]
Caleb was full of the concert, describing every song the band played.
Vivek came back from the film festival full of the movies he had seen.
The children were full of their zoo trip, each telling a story about the animals.
用法筆記
Always followed by 'of' plus the experience or details. Typically used in informal conversation rather than formal writing.
常見錯誤
5. behaving like you are more important or talented than you really are, especially
behaving like you are more important or talented than you really are, especially right after a success — shown by talking too much about your own achievements to impress others.
Megan has been full of herself ever since she won the writing competition.
phrase: full of yourself
The new manager arrived full of himself, telling everyone about his old job.
Talia's cousin gets full of himself after scoring a goal for the school team.
Wei was full of himself at the meeting and refused to listen to suggestions.
- humble
not thinking you are better than others
用法筆記
Only used in the phrase 'full of yourself' (or 'himself', 'herself', etc.). The subject is always a person. Less severe than 'conceited' — can describe temporary behaviour caused by a recent success.
常見錯誤
6. having such an exaggerated sense of your own importance that people around you f
having such an exaggerated sense of your own importance that people around you find it unpleasant and want to avoid you.
Christopher is so full of himself that nobody wants to work with him.
phrase: so full of yourself that [negative consequence]
Since his promotion, Karim has become full of himself and ignores old friends.
People avoid Devika at lunch because they find her too full of herself.
Baraka's roommate is so full of himself that his own family avoid him.
- arrogant
formal; behaves as if better than others in all situations
- swollen-headed
informal British; refers to behaviour after a success
- modest
does not talk about own achievements
用法筆記
Like sense 5, this is only used in the 'full of yourself' construction. The difference is that sense 6 emphasises the negative social reaction — people actively avoid or dislike the person. More permanent in tone than sense 5.
常見錯誤
7. including every necessary part, piece, or detail; not missing any required infor
including every necessary part, piece, or detail; not missing any required information or elements — for example, a full name includes the first, middle, and last name.
Cyrus gave his full name when the hotel clerk asked for identification.
The website published the full text of the president's speech within an hour.
full + noun: full text, full name, full list
Iris asked for the full menu, including the dessert section and drink options.
The company needs a full list of everyone who attended the training session.
Asher read the full terms of the agreement before signing anything.
- partial
suggests only a part of the whole is included
- incomplete
suggests that parts are missing; opposite of 'complete'
文法句型
full + noun
用法筆記
Almost always used before a noun (attributive position). When used predicatively, the meaning shifts to 'containing as much as possible' (sense 1).
常見錯誤
8. in baseball, describing the situation where the batter has three balls and two s
in baseball, describing the situation where the batter has three balls and two strikes, so that the very next pitch will decide whether the batter walks to first base or is struck out.
Feng stepped out of the batter's box with a full count to collect his thoughts.
Full-count pitches are often the most exciting moments in a baseball game.
adjective used as compound modifier: full-count
The pitcher threw a curveball on a full count and struck out the batter.
The coach told Imran to be ready for anything once the count went full.
文法句型
the count is full
with a full count
用法筆記
Used only in baseball. The count is described as 'full' when it reaches three balls and two strikes. This sense never appears before a noun except in the hyphenated compound 'full-count'.
常見錯誤
9. used in the fixed phrase 'full well' to mean completely or very clearly, always
used in the fixed phrase 'full well' to mean completely or very clearly, always emphasising that someone knows or understands something with total certainty — for example, knowing full well that a decision would be unpopular.
Zuri knew full well that staying up late would make her tired in the morning.
know full well + that-clause
The children knew full well that they were breaking the rules by climbing the fence.
Niran knew full well how much the mistake would cost the company.
Vinícius knew full well that the road was dangerous to drive on at night.
- perfectly well
interchangeable with 'full well' but slightly less emphatic
- very well
neutral and more common; does not carry the regretful tone of 'full well'
- fully
standard adverb form; works in all grammatical contexts
文法句型
know full well + that-clause
know full well + wh-clause
understand full well + that-clause
用法筆記
This is a fixed phrase restricted almost entirely to the expressions 'know full well' and 'understand full well'. It cannot be used in other verb+adverb combinations — for example, 'see full well', 'hear full well', and 'realise full well' are not idiomatic. The phrase always carries a tone of slight disapproval or regret, as if the person should have acted differently given what they knew.
常見錯誤
10. (of an activity, performance, or process) happening with great speed, energy, an
(of an activity, performance, or process) happening with great speed, energy, and enthusiasm; at the most active and intense stage — for example, a debate in full flow where speakers are arguing passionately.
The cooking competition was in full flow when Kevin dropped a bowl of sauce.
By mid-morning the workshop was in full flow, with everyone sharing their ideas.
be in full flow — describing an activity at peak intensity
The construction work was in full flow, with cement trucks arriving every hour.
Christopher's piano performance was in full flow when a string suddenly snapped.
- in full swing
similar but used for events rather than activities; see sense 11
- going strong
informal; can describe both activities and people ('She's 80 and still going strong')
- in top gear
suggests high speed and efficiency; informal
- petering out
suggests an activity losing energy and coming to an end
- at a standstill
suggests no activity happening at all
文法句型
be in full flow
in full flow + clause
用法筆記
Used in the fixed prepositional phrase 'in full flow', always predicatively. The subject is typically an activity (debate, performance, discussion, work) rather than a person. Distinguish from sense 11: 'in full flow' focuses on the energy and forward motion of an activity, while 'in full swing' focuses on the peak participation of an event.
常見錯誤
11. (of an event such as a party, festival, sale, or season) at the point of greates
(of an event such as a party, festival, sale, or season) at the point of greatest activity and fullest participation, with everything happening at once — for example, a wedding reception in full swing with guests dancing and celebrating.
The Lunar New Year festival was in full swing when the fireworks began.
The wedding reception was in full swing, with guests dancing under the fairy lights.
be in full swing — describing an event at peak activity
By afternoon the charity sale was in full swing and every table had customers.
Jisoo's birthday party was in full swing when the pizza delivery finally arrived.
- in full flow
used for continuous activities rather than events; see sense 10
- in top form
describes a person or team performing at their best, not an event
- in high gear
informal; suggests intense activity or progress
- winding down
suggests an event nearing its end with decreasing activity
- just starting
suggests the beginning stages before the peak of activity
文法句型
be in full swing
in full swing + clause
用法筆記
Used in the fixed prepositional phrase 'in full swing', always predicatively. The subject is typically a scheduled or organised event (party, festival, campaign, season). Distinguish from sense 10: 'in full swing' focuses on an event at its peak of participation, while 'in full flow' focuses on a continuous activity at its peak of energy.
常見錯誤
12. positioned or happening where anyone present can see clearly; completely visible
positioned or happening where anyone present can see clearly; completely visible and not hidden from others — for example, two people arguing in full view of the office staff.
The two managers argued loudly in full view of the entire office staff.
Amihan kept her car keys in full view on the kitchen counter.
in full view — completely visible, not hidden
The street performer juggled knives in full view of the amazed crowd.
Hannah hung the painting in full view of everyone who walked through the door.
- in plain sight
very similar but suggests something was overlooked despite being visible; 'in full view' emphasises that others are watching
- openly
adverb; describes how an action is done rather than where it happens
- publicly
suggests general public awareness rather than physical visibility
- hidden from view
suggests the opposite — completely concealed
- in secret
suggests an action done without anyone knowing
文法句型
in full view of + noun phrase
be in full view
用法筆記
Used exclusively in the fixed phrase 'in full view of'. The phrase often carries a tone of boldness, shame, or lack of privacy — the visibility is noteworthy. It is commonly followed by a noun phrase describing the people who can see (in full view of the crowd, in full view of the neighbours).
常見錯誤
13. describes the highest or greatest level of something that can be reached or achi
describes the highest or greatest level of something that can be reached or achieved — for example, a car going at full speed, or a musician reaching their full potential.
The team drove the ball toward the goal at full speed.
collocation: full speed
Samir has not yet reached his full potential as a musician.
collocation: full potential
The garden was blooming in its full beauty during the spring months.
Before you make a decision, you should have the full facts.
The concert hall was lit up to its full capacity for the show.
- maximum
more technical or mathematical; 'full speed' and 'maximum speed' are similar, but 'full' feels more natural in everyday speech
- complete
emphasises that nothing is missing; 'full set of tools' vs 'complete set of tools' are often interchangeable
- total
more formal and absolute; 'total darkness' vs 'full darkness' — 'total' is broader in use
- partial
the opposite of complete or maximum; 'partial recovery' vs 'full recovery'
文法句型
full + noun
用法筆記
This sense is almost always used before a noun (attributive position). Typical nouns include speed, potential, force, capacity, facts, extent, and beauty.
常見錯誤
14. feeling that you have eaten so much that you cannot possibly eat any more food —
feeling that you have eaten so much that you cannot possibly eat any more food — for example, after a large meal when even dessert is impossible.
Élise ate three slices of cake and said she was full.
common statement after eating
After the big Christmas dinner, everyone felt too full to move.
too + adjective + to-infinitive pattern
The children were so full that they left half their ice cream on the table.
Rafael pushed his plate away and said, 'I am full, I cannot eat another bite.'
'No dessert for me, thanks — I am full,' Heather told the waiter.
- hungry
direct opposite; 'I'm hungry' vs 'I'm full'
文法句型
be full (from/after + noun phrase)
用法筆記
This sense is used predicatively (after 'be') and is very common in everyday conversation. It is the most common way to say you cannot eat more. The related sense meaning 'not hungry right now' (sense 15) implies you could eat but do not need to, while this sense stresses that you have reached your physical limit.
常見錯誤
15. feeling no need for food because you have eaten recently, even though you could
feeling no need for food because you have eaten recently, even though you could still eat more if you wanted to — for example, skipping a snack because you had a big breakfast a few hours ago.
'I will eat later — I am still full from lunch,' said Indra.
pattern: still full from [meal]
Xiu skipped the afternoon snack because she was full from her large breakfast.
Ezra was not hungry at dinner because he was still full from the party snacks.
The guests said they were full from the starter and refused the main course.
Amani told her friend, 'I am still full from lunch,' and declined the snack.
- not hungry
literal, neutral; 'I'm not hungry' and 'I'm full' are often interchangeable in this sense
- hungry
direct opposite; feeling the need to eat
文法句型
be full (from + noun phrase)
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 14 (STUFFED): this sense means you have eaten enough and do not currently need food, but your stomach is not necessarily at its limit. The phrase 'still full from [meal]' is the most common pattern. Unlike sense 14, you would not say 'I cannot eat another bite' with this sense.
16. describes clothing made with plenty of fabric so that it hangs loosely rather th
describes clothing made with plenty of fabric so that it hangs loosely rather than fitting tightly against the body — for example, a dress with a full skirt that swings when you walk.
The wedding dress had a full skirt that reached the floor.
collocation: full skirt
Élise prefers blouses with full sleeves because they feel cooler in the summer heat.
collocation: full sleeves
This jacket has a full cut and is comfortable over a thick sweater.
The dancer's full costume spun out around her as she moved across the stage.
Christopher bought trousers with a full fit for the long hiking trip.
- loose
more common in everyday speech; 'loose trousers' is more general than 'full trousers', which specifically means made with lots of fabric
- wide
used for specific parts like 'wide sleeves' or 'wide legs'; similar meaning to 'full' but less common in fashion contexts
- roomy
informal; 'roomy jacket' means comfortable and not tight
- tight
direct opposite; 'tight skirt' fits closely to the body
- close-fitting
formal term for snug clothing
文法句型
full + clothing noun (skirt, sleeves, cut, fit)
用法筆記
Used before nouns related to clothing parts (skirt, sleeve, leg) or clothing cut (cut, fit). Not used predicatively to describe clothes — you say 'the skirt is full', but not normally 'these trousers are full' without context.
常見錯誤
17. a polite or gentle way of talking about someone's body being large or heavy, cho
a polite or gentle way of talking about someone's body being large or heavy, chosen instead of the more direct word 'fat' — for example, calling someone 'full-figured' or saying they have a 'full face'.
The shop sells clothes designed for women with a fuller figure.
euphemism: fuller figure
Shirin has a round, full face that makes her look younger than she is.
collocation: full face
Some people prefer to describe themselves as full-figured rather than overweight.
The magazine advertisement featured a model with a full and healthy body shape.
Eric's aunt is full around the waist, but she walks every day.
文法句型
full + body-part noun (face, figure, lips)
用法筆記
This sense is mainly used in polite or commercial contexts. 'Full-figured' is a standard term in fashion for larger body sizes. It is not used as a direct insult and is considered more respectful than 'fat'. However, describing a specific person as 'full' without their consent may still be taken negatively, so it is safest in general statements or marketing.
常見錯誤
18. describes a taste, sound, or smell that is strong, rich, and deep rather than we
describes a taste, sound, or smell that is strong, rich, and deep rather than weak or thin — for example, a wine with a full flavour, or a cello producing a full, deep sound.
The red wine has a full flavour with hints of cherry and oak.
collocation: full flavour
Xiu played the cello, producing a deep and full sound that filled the room.
collocation: full sound
The fresh coffee had a full aroma that spread through the entire kitchen.
Ezra prefers full-bodied beers with a rich, strong taste rather than light lagers.
A full scent of roses and lavender drifted in through the open kitchen window.
- rich
very similar; 'rich flavour' is slightly more common than 'full flavour' for food
- deep
used for sounds and colours; 'deep voice' overlaps with 'full voice'
- strong
more general; 'strong smell' is very common, 'full smell' is less common
- full-bodied
specifically for wine, beer, and coffee; means rich and complex
文法句型
full + flavour/sound/smell/voice/body
full-bodied
用法筆記
Common with sensory nouns: flavour, taste, sound, voice, aroma, scent, body (for wine or beer). The compound 'full-bodied' is very common for wines and beers, meaning rich and strong in taste. When used for a singer's voice, 'full voice' means loud, deep, and resonant.
常見錯誤
full — adverb
1. to the greatest degree possible; in a complete way — used especially with certai
to the greatest degree possible; in a complete way — used especially with certain verbs and adjectives to add emphasis, like knowing full well that something is true or being fully aware of a situation.
Tamar knew full well that the train left at six, yet she arrived at the station at half past.
know full well + that-clause for emphasis
The librarian was full aware of the noise coming from the reading room.
full aware — adverb + adjective pattern
Jin understood full well what the doctor was suggesting about her father's health.
Mei was full aware that the project deadline was impossible to meet.
The children knew full well that they were not allowed to play near the busy road.
- completely
the standard adverb; 'full' is restricted to fixed phrases while 'completely' works everywhere
- thoroughly
suggests doing something in a careful, detailed way; more formal than 'completely'
- fully
the default adverb form of 'full'; can be used in all contexts where 'full' (adverb) would not fit
- partially
suggests only a part of something is true or done
- half-heartedly
suggests a lack of full commitment or effort
文法句型
full + adverb/adjective
know full well + that-clause
用法筆記
This sense is restricted to a small set of fixed phrases. The most common are 'know full well' (always followed by a that-clause or wh-clause) and 'full aware' (followed by 'of' or a that-clause). It cannot be used as a general substitute for 'completely' — for example, you cannot say 'They full understood the problem' in modern English.
常見錯誤
2. straight at or directly towards someone or something, without turning aside or s
straight at or directly towards someone or something, without turning aside or stopping — for example, looking full at a person or hitting something full in the centre.
The ball struck Valentina full in the face before she could raise her hands.
verb + full + in/on + body part — physical impact
The morning sun shone full on the front window, making the whole room feel warm.
Nadia turned and looked full at the speaker before answering the difficult question.
The driver saw the deer standing full in the middle of the dark road ahead.
A strong wind blew full against the side of the tent, nearly knocking it over.
- indirectly
suggests a roundabout path or manner
- obliquely
suggests a slanted or angled direction rather than head-on
文法句型
verb + full + prepositional phrase
full in/on/at + noun phrase
用法筆記
This sense always describes physical direction or impact. It is frequently used with verbs of motion (strike, hit, blow, shine, look) and is followed by a preposition (in, on, at, against, into). It cannot be used figuratively — for example, 'I spoke full to him' is not idiomatic.