What is fully? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of fully

fullyadverb

/ˈfʊli/
Definition & pronunciation of fully

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "fully" in English. It's a tricky one because it's often mispronounced!

Here's the breakdown:

The Correct Pronunciation:

  • ˈfʊli (This is using phonetics - a way to represent sounds)

Let's break it down further:

  1. "F": Pronounced as a standard "F" sound – like in "fun".

  2. "U": This is the tricky part. It's a short, almost "uh" sound. Think of the vowel in "but" or "cut". It's not like the "oo" in "food." It's a more open "uh".

  3. "L": Pronounced as a standard "L" sound – like in "light."

  4. "Y": This is the key! The "y" at the end acts like a "i" sound. It makes the word sound like you're saying "full-ee." It's the same "y" sound you’d use in words like “sky” or “myth.”

Tips for Getting It Right:

  • Don't say "fool-ee." That's a very common mistake. The "oo" sound is incorrect.
  • Short "u" sound: Really focus on the short, almost "uh" sound in the middle.
  • Practice the "y" sound: Make sure you're pronouncing the "y" like in “sky.”

Resources for Listening:

  • Google Translate: Type "fully" into Google Translate, and click the speaker icon to hear the pronunciation.
  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/fully/ – This website provides pronunciations by native speakers.

To help me give you even more tailored advice, would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you some common phrases that use "fully"?

Usage and examples with the word fully in English

Let's break down how to use the word "fully" in English. It's a relatively uncommon word, and it's often better to use alternative phrasing, but it has specific uses where it adds a particular emphasis.

1. As an Intensifier (Most Common Use)

  • Meaning: "Fully" primarily functions as an intensifier, meaning it strengthens the meaning of the word it precedes. It suggests completeness or thoroughness.
  • Examples:
    • "I am fully confident." (Much more emphatic than "I am confident.")
    • "She is fully aware of the situation." (Stronger than "She is aware.")
    • "The room is fully booked." (Means it's completely booked, no spaces remain.)
    • "He spoke fully and eloquently." (Means he spoke fluently and with great skill.)

2. After Certain Verbs (Less Common, More Formal)

  • Meaning: "Fully" can follow certain verbs to indicate a complete or thorough action. This usage is usually more formal than simply using the verb alone.
  • Examples:
    • "The committee fully investigated the allegations." (The investigation was complete and thorough.)
    • "The team fully supported the proposal." (They strongly and completely backed the proposal.)
    • "I fully understood his instructions." (I grasped them completely.)
    • “The company fully complied with the regulations.” (They met all the regulations requirements completely.)

3. With Adjectives (Rare, Often Better Alternatives)

  • Meaning: Occasionally, you might see "fully" used with an adjective, but this is less common and often sounds a bit stiff. It usually implies a complete or intense state.
  • Examples (Note: Often better phrasing is available):
    • "He was fully exhausted." (Better: “He was utterly exhausted.”)
    • "The house was fully decorated." (Better: “The house was completely decorated.”)

Important Notes & Cautions:

  • Overuse: "Fully" can sound a bit overly formal or even pretentious if used too frequently. Often, you can simply use the main verb to convey the same meaning.
  • Alternatives: Frequently, there are better and more natural-sounding ways to express the same idea. Consider these alternatives:
    • Instead of "fully confident," try: "completely confident," “absolutely confident,” “very confident.”
    • Instead of "fully investigated," try: “thoroughly investigated,” “completely investigated.”
    • Instead of “fully supported,” try: “strongly supported,” “completely supported.”

Here’s a table summarizing the uses:

Use Meaning Example Better Alternative
Intensifier Complete, thorough I am fully prepared. I am completely prepared.
After Verbs Complete action The police fully apprehended him. The police apprehended him completely.
With Adjectives Complete state He was fully aware. He was completely/utterly aware.

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

  • What kind of context are you thinking about? (e.g., academic writing, casual conversation, a specific type of writing?)
  • Can you provide an example sentence you’re trying to improve?

Synonyms for the word fully

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