What is entire? Pronunciation and usage in English

entire means . Learn how to pronounce and use entire through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of entire

entireadjective

/ɪnˈtʌɪə//ɛnˈtʌɪə/
Definition & pronunciation of entire

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "entire." It can be tricky for English speakers! Here's a breakdown:

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

  • /ˈɪntɪər/ (rhymes with "winter")

Let's break that down syllable by syllable:

  1. "in-": Pronounced like the "in" in "tin." (short "i" sound)
  2. "ti-": Pronounced like "tee" (short "i" sound)
  3. "-re": Pronounced like "er" as in "her." (a schwa sound, a very short "uh" sound)

Here’s a simpler way to think about it:

Imagine you’re saying “tin-tee-er.”

Resources to hear it:

Important Note: There's a less common, older pronunciation (sometimes heard) that rhymes with "center" (/ˈɪntɪr/). However, /ˈɪntɪər/ is overwhelmingly the standard and preferred pronunciation in modern English.

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Usage and examples with the word entire in English

Let's break down how to use the word "entire" in English. It's a versatile word with a few slightly different meanings, but they generally revolve around completeness and extent.

1. As an Adjective (Meaning "Whole" or "Complete")

This is the most common usage. It describes something that includes everything; there's nothing missing.

  • Example: "The entire class was present today." (All students were there.)
  • Example: “He read the entire book in one sitting.” (He read the whole book.)
  • Example: "The entire building was destroyed by the fire." (Nothing survived - the whole building.)
  • Example: "I need the entire report." (I need the complete report, not just parts of it.)

2. As an Adverb (Meaning "Completely" or "Totally")

Here, "entire" modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb, indicating a full or total extent.

  • Example: "She looked at the painting entirely." (She looked at it completely.)
  • Example: "He was entirely exhausted after the hike." (He was completely exhausted.)
  • Example: "I was entirely convinced by his argument." (I was totally convinced.)

3. "Entirely" - A Common Phrase (Meaning "Completely" or "Absolutely")

Often, "entirely" is used as a separate word – a common compound word – with the same meaning as the adverb form of "entire."

  • Example: "She is entirely innocent." (She is completely innocent.)
  • Example: "He is entirely responsible." (He is absolutely responsible.)

Key Differences & Nuances

  • Entire vs. Whole: While often interchangeable, "entire" emphasizes the completeness of something, suggesting that nothing is missing. "Whole" focuses more on the state of being complete. For example: "The building is whole" (it’s intact), “The entire building is destroyed” (there’s nothing left).

  • "Entirely" vs. "Totally/Completely": “Entirely” often has a slightly more formal or emphatic feel than “totally” or “completely.” “Entirely” also lends itself well to phrases.

Let's Practice!

Here are some sentences for you to try:

  1. “The chef prepared the entire meal.”
  2. “He was entirely silent during the presentation.”
  3. “I want the entire package, please.”
  4. "She behaved entirely inappropriately."

Resources for Further Learning:

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Synonyms for the word entire

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