Talk:completely

The differentiation between sense #1 and #2 is completely unclear. Tooironic 23:47, 21 November 2009 (UTC)

You might ask User:DCDuring directly, since he added the second sense. --EncycloPetey 23:50, 21 November 2009 (UTC)

OK, I think the Chinese trans are a bit more accurate now. Tooironic 22:33, 23 November 2009 (UTC)

RFV discussion: March 2011–January 2012

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completely

This entry contains two definitions and two examples:

1. In a complete manner; fully; totally; utterly.

   Please completely fill in the box for your answer, using a number 2 pencil.

2. To the fullest extent or degree; totally.

   He is completely mad.

The difference between the senses is obscure or nonexistent. Perhaps some citations would help. --Daniel. 09:55, 28 March 2011 (UTC)

Move to RFD -- Prince Kassad 09:58, 28 March 2011 (UTC)

Both definitions are just one and same. There is no noticeable nuance between them. The second def. is clearly redundant. Actarus ^{(Prince d'Euphor)} 13:05, 29 March 2011 (UTC)

The difference is between "manner" and "extent". The first definition modifies a verb, saying how the action is done. The second modifies an adjective, and says to how that quality applies. DAVilla 14:53, 29 March 2011 (UTC)

I don't think there is such a thing as a "complete manner". It's true that completely can modify a verb, as in the first example sentence, but then it indicates the extent of the action. —Ruakh_TALK 19:33, 29 March 2011 (UTC)

Webster 1913 had "in a complete manner". I am unsure whether or how this reflects some subtle difference from current meaning.

In current English, I think this has two distinct senses, but not exactly the ones we have. There is a sense of "to a high degree" which is synonymous with a large number of other members of Category:English degree adverbs (which does not modify verbs, I think). Another sense is what Ruakh suggests: "to the fullest extent", which retains a connection to the specific sense of (deprecated template usage) complete (which can modify verbs, but also adjectives of some kinds, such as for colors and material, and adjectives derived from past participles. Not sure about adverbs.). DCDuring TALK 22:09, 29 March 2011 (UTC)

It seems to be used with adjectives that are classified as uncomparable, including, for example, completely actual. Is this another sense - perhaps something like unquestionably or maybe in all respects? Does it show that these adjectives can in fact be comparable, if to a limited extent? Or are we to say that all these usages are in error? — Pingku^dimmi 05:43, 31 March 2011 (UTC)

Adjectives and adverbs can be attestably gradable while not attestably comparable, like actual. If something is gradable, however, it increases the odds that it will turn out to be used comparably as well, in my experience. In fact, this search suggests that actual is comparable in some senses. This is not the first or last time that our characterization of an adjective's comparability seems inaccurate. DCDuring TALK 06:43, 31 March 2011 (UTC)

Resolved, it seems. - -sche (discuss) 03:55, 31 January 2012 (UTC)