C2adverbformalpoliticslaw
US/ˈhoʊl.li/
UK/ˈhəʊl.li/
completely; to the full degree
In context
The minister said the accusations were wholly untrue.
Using force against peaceful protesters is wholly unacceptable.
The company is wholly owned by the state.
Words that go with wholly
adverb + adjective
- wholly unacceptableThe judge called the officers' behavior wholly unacceptable.
- wholly responsibleThe report found the driver wholly responsible for the crash.
- wholly inadequateAid to the flood victims was wholly inadequate.
- not whollyI am not wholly convinced by his explanation.
adverb + verb
- wholly ownedThe bank has a wholly owned branch in Singapore.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
wholyCorrect: wholly