Definitions
- Referring to the complete absence of something. - Describing a situation where everything is considered as a whole. - Talking about a decision or action that involves everyone or everything.
- Referring to the complete and total amount of something. - Describing a situation where something is done completely or thoroughly. - Talking about a belief or opinion that is held without reservation or doubt.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words convey a sense of completeness or wholeness.
- 2Both can be used to emphasize the entirety of something.
- 3Both can be used to indicate a strong conviction or belief.
What is the difference?
- 1Usage: Altogether is more commonly used in British English, while entirely is more common in American English.
- 2Meaning: Altogether emphasizes the idea of everything being considered as a whole, while entirely emphasizes the idea of something being complete or total.
- 3Connotation: Altogether can have a negative connotation when used to indicate the absence of something, while entirely is generally neutral or positive.
- 4Usage in idioms: Altogether is used in idioms such as 'Altogether now' to indicate a collective action, while entirely is not typically used in idiomatic expressions.
Remember this!
Altogether and entirely are synonyms that both convey a sense of completeness or wholeness. However, altogether emphasizes the idea of everything being considered as a whole, while entirely emphasizes the idea of something being complete or total. Additionally, altogether is more commonly used in British English, while entirely is more common in American English.
