What is entirely? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of entirely

entirelyadverb

/ɪnˈtʌɪəli//ɛnˈtʌɪəli/
Definition & pronunciation of entirely

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "entirely" in English. It's a tricky one for many learners! Here's a detailed breakdown:

1. Syllable Breakdown:

The word "entirely" is divided into three syllables:

  • en - like the "en" in "pen"
  • ti - like the "ti" in "title"
  • rely - like the word "rely"

2. Phonetic Transcription (Closest to how a native speaker would say it):

/ɪnˈtɪr.ɪ.li/

Let’s break this down further:

  • /ɪn/: This is a short, quick "in" sound, almost like you're just saying "in" quickly.
  • /ˈtɪr/: The primary stress is on this syllable. "Tir" is pronounced like “teer” (as in “teaser”). It’s important to emphasize this syllable.
  • /ɪ.li/: These are two short vowel sounds: "i" (as in "bit") and "li" (like "lee").

3. Putting it Together - Step by Step:

  1. Start with: "in" (as in "tin").
  2. Add: "teer" (stress on the "teer" part).
  3. Finish with: “lee” (like “free”).

4. Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them:

  • Saying "intir-eely": A very common mistake is to clump the first two syllables together. Focus on pronouncing each syllable distinctly.
  • Over-emphasizing the "e" in "entire": It’s a short vowel sound, not a long one.
  • Making the "ly" sound too long: The "ly" is relatively quick.

5. Resources for Hearing the Pronunciation:

  • Google Translate: Type "entirely" into Google Translate and click the speaker icon. (You can also use other online dictionaries like Merriam-Webster or Cambridge Dictionary.)
  • YouTube: Search for "how to pronounce entirely" on YouTube – you’ll find many videos with clear pronunciation examples.

To help me give you more specific feedback, would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation for you slowly?
  • Provide an audio recording (I can't directly provide audio here, but I can give you links to online resources)?

Usage and examples with the word entirely in English

Let's break down how to use the word "entirely" in English. It's a versatile word that can add emphasis and nuance to your sentences. Here's a detailed explanation:

1. Basic Meaning:

  • Completely: "Entirely" means absolutely, completely, wholly, or totally. It indicates that something is without any part or exception.

2. Common Uses & Examples:

  • Expressing Completeness:

    • "I finished the project entirely by myself." (Meaning: I did the whole project without help.)
    • "The room was entirely dark." (Meaning: It was completely dark, with no light.)
    • "She was entirely focused on the task." (Meaning: She was completely and utterly focused.)

  • Expressing Full Agreement or Acceptance:

    • “Are you entirely convinced?” (Meaning: Are you completely sure?)
    • “I’m entirely happy with the decision.” (Meaning: I’m completely satisfied with the decision.)

  • Expressing Absence of Something:

    • “He was entirely unaware of the problem.” (Meaning: He knew nothing about the problem.)
    • “The restaurant was entirely closed for the holiday.” (Meaning: The restaurant was completely shut down.)

  • With Adjectives (to emphasize the degree):

    • “He’s entirely innocent.” (He’s completely innocent – emphasizing the certainty of his innocence.)
    • “The situation is entirely hopeless.” (The situation is completely hopeless.)
    • “She looked entirely distraught.” (She looked completely upset and distressed.)

3. Placement & Grammar:

  • Usually before the adjective or noun it modifies: This is the most common placement.

    • "He was entirely responsible."
    • "The house was entirely destroyed."

  • Can sometimes come at the beginning of a sentence for emphasis: This is a more formal style. Be mindful it can sound slightly dramatic.

    • "Entirely, I disagree with your assessment." (Strong disagreement)
    • "Entirely forgetting her keys, she rushed out the door."

4. Distinguishing "Entirely" from "Entire":

  • "Entire" (pronounced /ˈiːntɪər/) refers to a whole or all of something. It’s a noun. Examples: "the entire cake," "the entire population."

  • "Entirely" (pronounced ɪnˈtɪrlɪ/) is an adverb that describes how something is done or what something is like. It modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs.

5. Synonyms:

Depending on the context, you could use these words instead of "entirely":

  • Completely
  • Absolutely
  • Totally
  • Wholly
  • Entirely
  • Fully

6. Tips for Usage:

  • Don't overuse it: While it’s a strong word, using “entirely” all the time can make your writing sound repetitive or overly dramatic. Choose it when you genuinely want to emphasize the completeness of something.
  • Consider the tone: “Entirely” can sound a bit formal. Use it in situations where a more straightforward “completely” might be appropriate.

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • Can you give me an example sentence where you're thinking of using "entirely"? This will allow me to show you how it would work in context.
  • What are you trying to express when you consider using "entirely"? (e.g., complete agreement, absolute certainty, total absence, etc.)

Synonyms for the word entirely

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