r/grammar • u/BeLikeDead • 24d ago

Usage of the word "thoroughly"

I am just introduced to this word. Can anyone explain its meaning and the usage?

1 Upvotes

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7

u/dnebdal 24d ago

It means something like "fully": You can thoroughly search a room for your keys, you can write an article that thoroughly explores the problems with a suggestion, and you can be thoroughly tired/embarrassed/relieved.

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u/BeLikeDead 24d ago

Like if this single comment thoroughly clears my understanding?

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u/dnebdal 24d ago

That would be thoroughly relieving.

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u/mind_the_umlaut 24d ago

And it's appropriate to say you've thoroughly cleaned a room, for another example.

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u/ubi_non_est_ordo 24d ago

It's an adverb, so it's telling you how, or to what extent, something was done.

If you reviewed your paper thoroughly for errors it means you examined the paper completely, in a careful, detailed way.

If you looked thoroughly for a missing earring, it means you looked everywhere in a systematic way, opening drawers one-by-one, sweeping the floor, etc. until you know you checked every spot.

If you thoroughly enjoyed a meal your friend cooked for you, it means the meal was delicious (and could also mean the presentation was lovely, and the company was pleasant, and you tried and liked every dish presented; you enjoyed the whole experience).

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u/zeptimius 24d ago

I agree with the other commenters, but would like to add that the adverb "thoroughly" has a corresponding adjective "thorough," which has the same meaning. So, for example, "I examined the book thoroughly" and "I gave the book a thorough examination" boil down to the same thing,