completely

The word "completely" is built upon the adjective "complete," which originates from the Latin verb complēre, meaning "to fill up" or "to finish." The core notion is of making something full or whole, with the intensive prefix com- adding a sense of thoroughness. The adverbial suffix -ly, of Germanic origin, was attached in Middle English to form the adverb, shifting the meaning from the state of being whole to the manner of doing something in a whole or thorough fashion. Thus, the modern sense of "in every respect" or "to the fullest extent" directly extends from the literal idea of an action performed so that nothing is left lacking.

Structure: complete (whole) + ly (adverb suffix) - complete: From Latin completus, past participle of complēre ("to fill up, finish"), from com- (intensive prefix) + plēre ("to fill"). Functions as the adjectival root. - ly: From Old English -līċe, an adverbial suffix forming adverbs from adjectives. Functions as a derivational suffix indicating manner.