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Meaning & use

fully

adverb·Everyday

Last updated

UK/ˈfʊli/
US/ˈfʊli/

Meanings

  1. adverbnot comparable

    To the greatest degree possible, with nothing left out.

    Grammar: Goes before a verb or participle: fully understand, fully booked.

    Patterns

    • fully understand something
    • fully recovered

    She has fully recovered from the flu.

    I fully agree with your suggestion.

    The hotel is fully booked this weekend.

  2. adverbnot comparable

    Completely and with all the details needed.

    Grammar: Pairs with words like explained or informed.

    Patterns

    • fully explain something
    • fully informed

    The manual fully explains how to install the machine.

    Please keep us fully informed of any changes.

    The room was fully equipped for the workshop.

  3. adverbnot comparableformal

    At least or no fewer than, when talking about a number or amount.

    Grammar: Stresses a large amount: fully half.

    Patterns

    • fully half of something

    Fully half of the students walk to school.

    The trip took fully three hours.

    Fully ten minutes passed before anyone spoke.

Common combinations

fully aware
He was fully aware of the risks.
fully understand
I don't fully understand the instructions.
fully booked
The restaurant is fully booked tonight.
fully recover
She hopes to fully recover by summer.
fully charged
Leave the phone on the charger until it is fully charged.
fully support
We fully support your decision.

Synonyms and how they differ

completely
Completely is the most common equivalent and can sound more natural in speech than fully.
entirely
Entirely stresses that nothing is left out and often works with negatives.
totally
Totally is more casual and informal.
thoroughly
Thoroughly suggests careful attention to every detail, not just extent.

Opposites

partlypartially

Word family

full adjective
holding as much as possible
fullness noun
the state of being full
fulfil verb
to carry out or complete
full-fledged adjective
complete in every way

Commonly confused: fully or fulsome?

fully vs fulsome

Fulsome means excessively flattering, not simply full.

Practice

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