What is the difference between totally and wholly?

Definitions

totally

- Used to emphasize the completeness or extent of something.

- Used to express agreement or affirmation.

- Used to indicate a complete change or transformation.

wholly

- Used to emphasize the entirety or completeness of something.

- Used to describe something that is completely one thing and not mixed with anything else.

- Used to indicate a complete involvement or dedication to something.

List of Similarities

• 1. Both totally and wholly are adverbs used to emphasize the completeness or entirety of something.
• 2. Both words can be used to indicate agreement or affirmation.
• 3. Both words can be used to describe a complete transformation or change.

What is the difference?

• 1. Usage: Totally is more commonly used in everyday language, while wholly is more formal and less common.
• 2. Meaning: Totally emphasizes the extent or completeness of something, while wholly emphasizes the entirety or completeness of something.
• 3. Connotation: Totally has a more casual and informal connotation, while wholly is more formal and serious.
• 4. Collocations: Totally often collocates with verbs like 'agree', 'forget', and 'transform', while wholly often collocates with adjectives like 'owned', 'committed', and 'dedicated'.

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Remember this!

Totally and wholly are synonyms that both emphasize the completeness or entirety of something. However, totally is more commonly used in everyday language and has a more casual connotation, while wholly is more formal and serious. Totally emphasizes the extent of something, while wholly emphasizes the entirety of something.