Wholely vs. Wholly: The Correct Spellings

When it comes to the words wholely and wholly, only one is correct in standard English. The proper spelling is "wholly." The root word here is "whole," and by adding the suffix "-ly," we create the adverb "wholly." This adverb implies something done completely, entirely, or fully.

"Wholely," while it might seem like a logical derivation, is not in alignment with English spelling conventions. The redundant "e" is dropped when forming the adverb. It's essential to remember this rule, which is common in English when suffixes are added.

An easy trick to remember the spelling is to think of the word "whole" and then simply add "-ly." Remember to drop the "e" when adding the "-ly," just as we do with other words like "true" becoming "truly."

As for the history of "wholly," its origins can be traced back to Old English, stemming from the word "hal" meaning "entire." Over time, the spelling and pronunciation evolved, leading to the modern-day "whole" and its adverbial form "wholly."

Incorrect: He felt wholely responsible for the mistake.

Correct: He felt wholly responsible for the mistake.

Incorrect: She was wholely committed to her studies.

Correct: She was wholly committed to her studies.

Incorrect: The idea was wholely original and innovative.

Correct: The idea was wholly original and innovative.

Incorrect: The statement was wholely inaccurate.

Correct: The statement was wholly inaccurate.

Incorrect: The project was wholely supported by the community.

Correct: The project was wholly supported by the community.

To the exclusion of other things; solely.

Entirely; completely; fully.

Without reservation or exception.

To the full extent; totally.

Completely; entirely

Exclusively; solely.

Completely and entirely; to the fullest extent.

Exclusively and solely.

In a whole or complete manner; entirely; completely; perfectly.

To the exclusion of other things; totally; fully.

to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (`whole' is often used informally for `wholly');

In every respect; totally.

She was wholly committed to her studies.

He felt wholly responsible for the mistake.

The decision was wholly unjustified in her eyes.

The idea was wholly original and innovative.

The team was wholly unprepared for the challenge.

She wholly embraced the new lifestyle.

The project was wholly supported by the community.

The statement was wholly inaccurate.

She found the speech wholly inspiring.

The book was wholly devoted to the subject of climate change.

The strategy was wholly ineffective in achieving its goals.

The country was wholly dependent on imported oil.

Their approach was wholly different from ours.

The garden was wholly neglected during the winter.

He was wholly unaware of the consequences of his actions.

He was wholly absorbed in his work.

They were wholly satisfied with the results.

She was wholly dedicated to her charity work.

The movie was wholly based on a true story.

The painting was wholly restored to its original condition.

Completely engrossed or preoccupied with something.

Fully dedicated or devoted to something.

Not completely lacking value or justification.

Never before seen or experienced; completely new.

Completely separate or different from something.

Completely owned by one entity or person.

Completely unnecessary or uncalled for.

Something entirely different or separate from what has been discussed.

Fully autonomous or self-sufficient.

Completely unable to work together or be together.

Completely unexpected or astonishing.

Entirely dedicated or committed to someone or something.

Completely intolerable or unacceptable.

Fully engaged or participating in something.

To completely or fully agree with something or someone.

Completely insufficient or inadequate.

Completely pleased or content with something.

Completely natural or unadulterated.

Fully in agreement or alignment with something.

Completely without justification or reason.

No, "wholely" is not the correct spelling. The correct spelling is "wholly."

Yes, "wholly" is versatile and can imply being complete, exclusive, or without exception, among other meanings.

In English, when forming adverbs by adding "-ly" to adjectives that end in "e," the "e" is typically dropped. Hence, "wholly" follows this rule.

Wholly means completely, entirely, or fully in a given context.

In many contexts, "wholly" and "completely" are synonymous and can be used interchangeably.

Wholly is derived from the word "whole" with the suffix "-ly" added. The "e" from "whole" is dropped during this transformation.

Wholly traces back to Old English, stemming from the word "hal," which means "entire."

Think of the word "whole" and simply add "-ly," remembering to drop the "e."

Yes, for instance, "true" becomes "truly" when the "-ly" suffix is added, dropping the "e."

Using the correct spelling ensures clear communication, showcases good language proficiency, and avoids misunderstandings in written content.