totally
gb/tˈoʊtəli/ us/tˈoʊtəli/
A2
English
~ 1700
Senses
0 senses
adverb
A2
property
1
Completely; entirely
Fully or completely, with nothing left out.
Usage pattern:
totally [adjective]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes overuse 'totally' with adjectives that already mean 'complete', such as 'totally finished'. While common in speech, it can sound redundant in writing.
Synonyms
completely (Neutral and interchangeable in most contexts, but slightly more formal.)
|
entirely (Often used in more formal or careful speech.)
Antonyms
partially (Means only in part, not fully.)
|
slightly (Indicates a small or minor degree, opposite of full extent.)
Collocations
totally different
|totally wrong
|totally new
|totally unacceptable
|totally dependent
Themes
daily life
|opinions
|emotions
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- I totally agree with your decision.
- The movie was totally boring.
- She was totally surprised by the news.
- This plan is totally different from the last one.
Learner examples
- I totally understand you.
- He is totally ready for the test.
- The room is totally clean.
- She is totally happy today.
adverb
informal
B1
property
2
Very much; extremely (emphasis)
Used to make an adjective or statement stronger in informal speech.
Usage pattern:
totally [adjective/statement]
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse this use with the literal meaning of 'completely'. In informal contexts, it can simply mean 'very'.
Synonyms
really (Common and neutral, often interchangeable for emphasis.)
|
absolutely (Stronger and slightly more formal than 'totally'.)
Antonyms
barely (Indicates a very small degree, opposite of extreme emphasis.)
Collocations
totally awesome
|totally cool
|totally unfair
Themes
informal speech
|opinions
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- That concert was totally awesome!
- I'm totally exhausted after work.
- We totally need a break from this project.
Learner examples
- This game is totally fun.
- I am totally tired after school.
- The food is totally good here.
Grammar
Dictionary form
totally
IPA
GB/tˈoʊtəli/
US/tˈoʊtəli/
Syllables & stress
totally (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (totally)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: totally
- Plural: totallies
Word family
Expressions
totally agree
1/tˈoʊtəli əɡɹˈi/
fixed phrase
Be in complete agreement
To agree with someone 100%.
Examples
- I totally agree with what you said about the plan.
- We totally agree that more funding is needed.
totally not
1/tˈoʊtəli nˈɑt/
fixed phrase
informal
Completely not true or so
Used to strongly say that something is not true or will not happen.
Examples
- That is totally not what I meant.
- He's totally not ready for the meeting.
totally worth it
1/tˈoʊtəli wˈɚθ ˈɪt/
fixed phrase
informal
Completely valuable or justified
Something was very good or useful compared to the time or money spent.
Examples
- The trip was expensive, but it was totally worth it.
- Waking up early to see the sunrise was totally worth it.