completely and entirely share a recorded sense, so the question is not what they mean but which one fits. completely means “to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (`whole' is often used informally for `wholly')”. entirely means “to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (`whole' is often used informally for `wholly')”. completely is the more common of the two in everyday English.
/kəmˈplitli/
1.adv.to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (`whole' is often used informally for `wholly')
“he was wholly convinced”
2.adv.so as to be complete; with everything necessary
“he had filled out the form completely”
/ɪnˈtaɪɚli/
1.adv.to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (`whole' is often used informally for `wholly')
“he was wholly convinced”
2.adv.without any others being included or involved
“was entirely to blame”
| completely | entirely | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | /kəmˈplitli/ | /ɪnˈtaɪɚli/ |
| Said | kuhm-PLEET-lee | in-TAHY-ur-lee |
| Syllables | 3 | 4 |
| Letters | 10 | 8 |
| Parts of speech | adverb | adverb |
| Senses | 2 | 2 |
| How common | Core | Common |
| Synonyms | wholly, entirely, totally | wholly, completely, totally |
Full entry for completely · Full entry for entirely · More comparisons