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

“The behavior in question was wholly inconsistent with our policies, and we do not, and will not, tolerate it.”

From Los Angeles Times

Young faced 39 charges and, in September 2024, a UKA disciplinary panel found nine of those proven "wholly or in part", with seven of them serious.

From BBC

“Black people are more skilled at crossing that divide simply because we live and wholly function in a white world,” contends Hoffman, the author of “Late Rehearsals,” a story collection out this fall.

From Los Angeles Times

The group responded to Gasparro in a post on X, writing that his statements are "wholly untrue and deeply malicious".

From BBC

"I believe his conduct is wholly inconsistent with the standards of behaviour required under the Scottish Ministerial Code."

From BBC

Related Words

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