The Differences Between Completely and Absolutely

These words are often used interchangeably in casual conversation, but they do serve distinct purposes. Understanding the nuanced differences between them can help improve clarity in both written and spoken English.

Overview of Usage and Meanings

While completely and absolutely can sometimes be used interchangeably, they convey different shades of meaning when it comes to completeness, certainty, and totality. This article explores the distinctions between these terms and provides practical examples to demonstrate their correct usage.

What is the Difference Between Completely and Absolutely?

The primary difference lies in the nature of the situations they describe. Completely is about quantity: whether something is whole, complete, or finished. It suggests that all parts or elements of something are present or have been acted upon.

Absolute, on the other hand, is about quality. It implies that something is complete, certain, or final, without any exceptions or room for variation. It points to a state of finality, totality, or universality.

Let’s take a closer look at some examples to illustrate these distinctions:

Examples and Context

Complete vs. Absolutely

Complete:

The project is complete. She completely understood the instructions.

Here, "complete" means that everything that was required or intended has been done or achieved. It indicates that no further action is needed.

Absolute:

The storm absolutely destroyed the village. I am absolutely exhausted.

Here, "absolutely" conveys a sense of finality. Nothing has spared the village from the destruction, or the exhaustion is beyond any doubt or variation. It implies a state of utmost completeness or certainty.

Totally and Completely

Totally shares a similar meaning to completely. It suggests a total or complete state without any parts missing:

The building has been totally damaged.

In this example, "totally" conveys the idea that there is no part of the building that is undamaged.

Absolute Truth and Completeness

Absolute, as a term, can refer to a statement or belief that is inviolable. It is without any exception.

What he says is absolutely correct.

Here, "absolutely correct" means that his statement is entirely right and there is no room for doubt or variation.

Verification and Change

Giving a detailed explanation for the changes made in a document for future reference provides a practical example of how these terms can be used:

I had to verify your questions fully and I found that it is absolutely foolish and I have completely changed them so that you can keep them absolutely for your future records.

In this context, "fully" is used to indicate thorough verification, "absolutely" is used to express the utmost certainty of the findings, and "completely" is used to indicate total and thorough change.

Summary of Key Differences

Quantity vs. Quality

Complete is about quantity: whether something is whole and not missing any part. It implies that all parts or components are present and properly accounted for.

Absolute is about quality: it is all-encompassing and definitive. It implies totality, universality, and an absolute or unconditional state.

Examples

Complete vs. Absolute Examples Absolute Truth vs. Quantity

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the main difference between complete and absolute?

The main difference is that complete refers to the state of being whole and having no missing parts, while absolute refers to certainty, totality, or a comprehensive, unconditional state without exceptions.

Can these terms be used interchangeably?

While they can sometimes be used interchangeably in casual speech, they should be used with precision in formal writing to avoid ambiguity.

How do you use the word absolutely in a sentence?

Use absolutely to emphasize the totality or certainty of something. For example, "Absolutely, the project is complete" or "I am absolutely exhausted."

Conclusion

Understanding the subtle differences between completely and absolutely can greatly enhance your ability to communicate effectively and accurately in English. By using these words with precision, you can convey clear and precise meanings that avoid any ambiguity.

Key Takeaways

Complete refers to quantity and completeness. Absolute refers to quality, totality, and certainty. Interchangeable use can occur, but precision in writing is recommended.