Meaning 1
Containing every part needed for the intended purpose, with no essential gap.
Reach for it when describing a set, account, or object that lacks nothing required
The archive now holds a complete record of each repair since 1954.
Meaning 2
Brought all the way to its intended end.
Reach for it when describing work or a process that has been finished
The bridge inspection was complete before the first bus crossed.
| Meaning 1 | Meaning 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| playful | ||
| everyday |
| |
| professional |
| |
| formal |
everyday
Fits when the thing is intact or considered in its entirety
Careful Whole may contain every part but still be unusable or unfinished.
professional
Fits when nearly every important aspect is covered
Careful Comprehensive allows minor omissions and suits coverage better than a physical set.
professional
Fits when nothing has been damaged or lost
Careful An intact object can always have been incomplete from the start.
formal
entire
Fits when every portion is included
Careful Entire stresses extent, not whether required details are present.
playful
done and dusted
Fits when informal satisfaction at completion suits the voice
Careful The idiom can dismiss remaining review, maintenance, or consequences.
everyday
finished
Fits when the work has reached its endpoint
Careful Finished can mean stopped or exhausted without meeting the intended standard.
formal
final
Fits when no further version or stage is expected
Careful A final submission may still contain omissions.
complete set
The museum assembled a complete set of the original route maps.
complete account
No complete account can ignore the failed winter attempt.
work is complete
The work is complete once both safety checks are signed.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Dvortygirl, American accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 Updated
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