Entirely

Pronunciation

• RP IPA: /ɪnˈtaɪəli/
• US IPA: /ɪnˈtaɪɹli/
• Hyphenation: en + tire + ly

Alternative forms

• entierly chiefly archaic
• intirely archaic or nonstandard

Origin

entire + -ly

Full definition of entirely

Adverb

1. To the full or entire extent.
• 2012, May 15, Scott Tobias, Film: Reviews: The Dictator, Unlike Ali G Indahouse, Baron Cohen’s failed attempt to bring his most famous character into an entirely fictional universe, Borat found the comic tension in placing his Kazakhstani buffoon in delicate social situations, like a rodeo where he supports the “War Of Terror” a bit too zealously.
• 2013, Stephen P. Lownie, David M. Pelz, Stents to Prevent Stroke, As we age, the major arteries of our bodies frequently become thickened with plaque, a fatty material with an oatmeal-like consistency that builds up along the inner lining of blood vessels. The reason plaque forms isn’t entirely known, but it seems to be related to high levels of cholesterol inducing an inflammatory response, which can also attract and trap more cellular debris over time.
2. It is entirely up to you where we go, as I'll be happy with anywhere.   The cake hadn't entirely been eaten, so some was saved for later.
3. To the exclusion of others.
   This part of the park is used entirely by the workers, everyone else will have to go to the other side.

Synonyms

• (to the full extent) completely
• (to the exclusion of others)

Related terms

• entirety