Library / English Dictionary

THOROUGHLY

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 I. (adverb) 

Sense 1

Meaning:

In an exhaustive manner

Example:

we searched the files thoroughly

Synonyms:

exhaustively; thoroughly

Classified under:

Adverbs

Pertainym:

thorough (painstakingly careful and accurate)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Completely and absolutely ('good' is sometimes used informally for 'thoroughly')

Example:

we beat him good

Synonyms:

good; soundly; thoroughly

Classified under:

Adverbs

Domain usage:

colloquialism (a colloquial expression; characteristic of spoken or written communication that seeks to imitate informal speech)

Pertainym:

thorough (performed comprehensively and completely; not superficial or partial)

Credits

 Context examples: 

As for Mr. Arrow, I believe him thoroughly honest; some of the men are the same; all may be for what I know.

(Treasure Island, by Robert Louis Stevenson)

For the first time I thoroughly realized the extent of the task before us.

(The Sea-Wolf, by Jack London)

He was head man of the little village, keenly aware of his responsibility, and he elucidated his policy thoroughly in few words.

(Love of Life and Other Stories, by Jack London)

"You will now stand on the platform till recess," said Mr. Davis, resolved to do the thing thoroughly, since he had begun.

(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)

Of these he was able to give a goodly list, but had little doubt that it would be largely extended when the place had been more thoroughly investigated.

(The Lost World, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

Everybody's heart is open, you know, when they have recently escaped from severe pain, or are recovering the blessing of health, and Nurse Rooke thoroughly understands when to speak.

(Persuasion, by Jane Austen)

Henry's address, short as it had been, had more thoroughly opened her eyes to the extravagance of her late fancies than all their several disappointments had done.

(Northanger Abbey, by Jane Austen)

"But, Count," I said, "you know and speak English thoroughly!" He bowed gravely.

(Dracula, by Bram Stoker)

“Es ist vollendet—dat is, I have it at last thoroughly done.”

(Rodney Stone, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

I may say that a good many of these papers have come through me, and I need not add are thoroughly untrustworthy.

(His Last Bow, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)