What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
comprehensively
Example
The report provides a comprehensive overview of the company's financial performance. [comprehensive: adjective]
Example
She studied comprehensively for the exam, covering all the topics thoroughly. [comprehensively: adverb]
thoroughly
Example
He cleaned the house thoroughly before the guests arrived. [thoroughly: adverb]
Example
The teacher explained the concept thoroughly, ensuring that all students understood it. [thorough: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Thoroughly is more commonly used than comprehensively in everyday language. Thoroughly is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while comprehensively is less common and refers to a more formal or technical approach.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between comprehensively and thoroughly?
While comprehensively is typically associated with a formal and technical tone, thoroughly is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.