thoroughly
Americanadverb
-
in a thorough manner or degree; completely and carefully.
We will review the data thoroughly.
-
perfectly; utterly.
We thoroughly enjoyed the play.
Etymology
Origin of thoroughly
First recorded in 1450–1500; thorough ( def. ) + -ly ( def. )
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
On balance, I think it’s critically important that inside information is addressed thoroughly and comprehensively to support confidence rather than undermine it.
From Barron's • Mar. 28, 2026
Zhang knew every major, university, and career path so thoroughly that he spoke with absolute certainty.
From BBC • Mar. 27, 2026
Few federal civil-rights czars have roiled their own department as thoroughly as Ms. Dhillon did when she took office in April 2025.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 27, 2026
Will it be thoroughly integrated within the latest dietary guidelines?
From MarketWatch • Mar. 23, 2026
For that reason, he urged doctors to wash their hands thoroughly and to sterilize hands and surgical instruments with carbolic acid.
From "Ambushed!" by Gail Jarrow
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
