Totally Meaning, Examples & Usage Guide

Meaning 1：completely (totally)

totally 🔊

/ˈtoʊtəli/

adv.

In a complete way; to the fullest degree; with nothing missing.

Totally empty glass bottle illustrating complete emptiness

completely 🔊

➕

/kəmˈpliːtli/

adv.

To the fullest extent; in a complete manner without any omission or deficiency.

📁 Category：Behaviors & Actions 🔖 Level：Beginner

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'totus' (whole) + adverbial suffix '-ly'.

💡 Mnemonic

Think of 'total' as a sum of all parts. Adding '-ly' makes it clear: completely, no exceptions.

📖 Example

I totally cleaned my room; you can't find a single speck of dust. 🔊 I totally cleaned my room; you can't find a single speck of dust.

🔗 Collocations

totally agree – completely agree in opinion or statement

totally different – entirely dissimilar or unrelated

totally wrong – completely incorrect or mistaken

🔄 Synonyms

completely (adv.) – In a total manner; to the fullest degree

entirely (adv.) – Wholly; without any part left out

utterly (adv.) – Completely and without qualification; used for emphasis

🚫 Antonyms

partially (adv.) – To some extent; not completely

incompletely (adv.) – In a way that is not full or finished

somewhat (adv.) – To a moderate extent; not entirely

🌱 Derivatives

totality (n.) – The whole of something; entirety

total (adj./n.) – Constituting the full amount; sum

totalize (v.) – To combine into a whole; to sum up

📖 Cultural Story

Originating from Latin 'totus' meaning 'whole', 'total' entered English via Old French in the 14th century. The adverb 'totally' emerged in the 16th century, commonly used to emphasize completeness in both literal and figurative contexts.