Completely vs. Completly – Which is Correct?
The correct spelling is completely. The word “completly” is a common misspelling and does not exist in standard English. “Completely” functions as an adverb, meaning “to the fullest extent” or “entirely.” Always use “completely” when you intend to convey that something is finished, whole, or absolute.
Completely or Completly – Which is Correct?
The distinction between “completely” and “completly” is straightforward: only “completely” is the correct spelling in English. “Completly” is an erroneous form, frequently arising from a phonetic transcription error where the silent ‘e’ before the ‘-ly’ suffix is mistakenly omitted. The ‘e’ in “complete” is essential for its correct spelling, and it carries over when forming the adverb.
The Best Trick to Remember the Difference
To remember the correct spelling of “completely,” think of its root word, “complete.” Just as “complete” has an ‘e’ before the ‘t,’ so too does its adverbial form, “completely.” The ‘e’ is part of the base word and should not be dropped when adding the ‘-ly’ suffix. Therefore, always remember the ‘e’ before the ‘t’ and the ‘l’ in “complete” and “completely.”
| Word | Part of Speech | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| completely | Adverb | To the fullest extent; entirely; absolutely. | She had completely forgotten about the appointment. |
| completly | Incorrect | Misspelling; not a recognized word. | (Incorrect usage: The project was |
How to Use Completely
“Completely” is an adverb that modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, indicating that something is done to its full extent, without reservation, or entirely. It emphasizes the totality or absoluteness of an action or state. It is a common and versatile word used in both formal and informal contexts to add emphasis.
Example 1: The old house was completely renovated, from the roof to the foundation.
Example 2: I am completely confident in her ability to lead the team.
Example 3: After a long day, he was completely exhausted and fell asleep immediately.
Etymology of the word Completely
The word “completely” derives from the Old French “complet,” meaning “finished, whole,” which itself came from the Latin “completus,” the past participle of “complere” (“to fill up, complete”). The suffix “-ly” is a common adverbial ending in English, originating from Old English “-lice.” Thus, “completely” literally means “in a complete manner” or “to a complete extent.”
Related Concepts
Understanding related linguistic concepts can help reinforce the correct usage and spelling of “completely.”
- Adverbs of Degree: “Completely” is an adverb of degree, which specifies the intensity or extent of an action, adjective, or another adverb. Other adverbs of degree include “very,” “quite,” “and “extremely.”
- Common Misspellings: Many words are misspelled due to phonetic similarity or common errors in suffix application. “Completly” is a classic example where a vowel is dropped before adding “-ly.” Recognizing common misspelling patterns can improve overall writing accuracy.
- Root Words and Suffixes: Understanding how suffixes like “-ly” attach to root words (e.g., “complete”) is fundamental to correct spelling. The root word’s spelling typically remains intact, or follows specific rules, when suffixes are added.
Examples from Media and Literature
- “It was a dark and stormy night; the moon was completely hidden behind thick clouds.” – From a classic children’s novel.
- “The detective felt completely baffled by the new evidence, which contradicted everything he had learned so far.” – A crime fiction excerpt.
- “After the success of the first film, the studio decided to move forward with a sequel that would completely redefine the genre.” – A film review.
- “Her transformation was so profound that she seemed like a completely different person.” – A character description.
- “The politician stated that his commitment to public service was completely unwavering.” – A news report.
Completely Synonyms
| Synonym | Definition |
|---|---|
| Entirely | Wholly; altogether. |
| Totally | Absolutely; utterly. |
| Absolutely | Without exception or qualification; unconditionally. |
| Utterly | To an absolute or extreme degree. |
| Wholly | Entirely; fully. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: Why is “completly” a common misspelling?
“Completly” is a common misspelling because people often mistakenly drop the silent ‘e’ from the end of the root word “complete” when adding the adverbial suffix “-ly.” The ‘e’ is part of the base word’s correct spelling and should be retained.
Question 2: Does “completely” have any alternative spellings?
No, “completely” has only one correct spelling in standard English. Any other variations, such as “completly,” are misspellings and should be avoided.
Question 3: Can “completely” be used in formal writing?
Yes, “completely” is a perfectly acceptable and widely used adverb in all forms of writing, including formal academic papers, professional reports, and creative literature. It is not considered informal or slang.
Conclusion
In the choice between “completely” and “completly,” the answer is unequivocal: “completely” is the only correct spelling. “Completly” is a common error that should be corrected in all writing. Remembering that the root word “complete” includes the ‘e’ before the ‘t’ is the simplest way to ensure you spell its adverbial form correctly. A Pro Tip for professional reputation: Consistent and accurate spelling of common words like “completely” demonstrates attention to detail and enhances your credibility as a communicator.
