fully
UK[ˈfʊli]US[ˈfʊli]
adv
Completely or entirely; to the fullest extent.
adv
In a manner that leaves no doubt; emphatically.
Morpheme Breakdown
full
ly
full
complete
ly
adverb suffix
Etymology
The word "fully" is a transparent adverb formed from the adjective "full." The root "full" descends from the Proto-Germanic fullaz, which itself derives from the Proto-Indo-European pl̥h₁nós ("full"), a root also giving rise to Latin plenus and Greek plērēs. The adverbial suffix "-ly" evolved from the Old English -līce, an adjective-forming suffix meaning "body" or "like," which was later grammaticalized to convert adjectives into adverbs. Thus, the literal construction "in a full manner" logically evolved into the modern abstract senses of completeness and emphasis, describing an action performed to its total extent or without reservation.
Analysis
Structure: full (complete) + ly (adverb suffix)
- full: From Old English full (adj.), meaning "complete, entire, filled." Of Germanic origin; related to Dutch vol and German voll.
- ly: A suffix forming adverbs from adjectives, from Old English -līce (originally meaning "having the body or form of").
Examples
The room was fully furnished and ready for guests.
I fully understand the implications of this decision.
The project is now fully funded and can proceed.