wholly

[ hoh-lee, hohl-lee ]

adverb

1. entirely; totally; altogether; quite.
2. to the whole amount, extent, etc.
3. so as to comprise or involve all.

wholly

/ ˈhəʊllɪ /

adverb

1. completely, totally, or entirely
2. without exception; exclusively

Word History and Origins

Origin of wholly¹

First recorded in 1250–1300, wholly is from the Middle English word holliche. See whole, -ly

Example Sentences

Those of us who have lived in multiple places will always feel, at some level, a question as to where, if anywhere, is definitively home, and what, in turn, we may call ourselves, because no one national label feels wholly right.

From Washington Post

While financial terms of the deal weren’t disclosed, Weber has confirmed that June will continue to operate as its own brand wholly owned by Weber-Stephen Products and will continue to both sell and develop the June Oven and related products.

From TechCrunch

More than 70 percent of the country’s nursing home providers use operating funds to pay themselves through so-called related parties — companies they or their family members partially or wholly own.

From Washington Post

It’s easy for me to resist the call of early-season touring—I lost a friend to an early-season avalanche, and another friend was nearly paralyzed after crashing into early-season rocks—but I wholly understand the desire.

From Outside Online

Researchers have uncovered secrets of a virus that, not so long ago, was wholly unknown.

From Science News

The precision it took to craft such a cohesive, wholly compelling work over 12 years is nothing short of remarkable.

From The Daily Beast

Sex, then, is not wholly experiential but at least partially transactional.

From The Daily Beast

A group of New York chefs show The Daily Beast how to enliven, or wholly recast, holiday table staples.

From The Daily Beast

That is not to say the students who submit to the elitism and racism promoted by the USC Greek system are wholly sympathetic.

From The Daily Beast

What were your impressions on playing on something wholly guided by vocals?

From The Daily Beast

Young Lamb's big cigar has been out long ago; but he pulls hard at it, wholly unaware of the fact.

From Project Gutenberg

I shall therefore, in my effort to prove the Bible fallible, quote almost wholly from Christian critics.

From Project Gutenberg

But if the Bible was written by men, some of them more or less inspired, then it would not, in all probability be wholly perfect.

From Project Gutenberg

In spite of this, the garden studio was not wholly forsaken, and nearly every day she accomplished something there.

From Project Gutenberg

"No; his coming has taken me by surprise," replied Hartledon, with a nervousness he could not wholly conceal.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• altogether
• completely
• entirely
• fully
• perfectly
• quite
• thoroughly
• totally
• utterly