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Synonyms

wholly

American  
[hoh-lee, hohl-lee] / ˈhoʊ li, ˈhoʊl li /

adverb

  1. entirely; totally; altogether; quite.

  2. to the whole amount, extent, etc.

  3. so as to comprise or involve all.

wholly British  
/ ˈhəʊllɪ /

adverb

  1. completely, totally, or entirely

  2. without exception; exclusively

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of wholly

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

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.

Echoing prior comments, Buffett said Apple is better than any of Berkshire’s wholly owned businesses.

From Barron's

It gives you an understanding that is distinctly, wholly yours.

From Literature

A knock that seemed wholly unsure why it was knocking.

From Literature

Announcing the figures, Work and Pensions Minister Diana Johnson said the levels of poverty were "wholly unacceptable" and the government was taking "robust action to change the course".

From BBC

But it’s also become clear that the two sides are fighting on wholly different terrains.

From The Wall Street Journal

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.