thoroughly
Americanadverb
-
in a thorough manner or degree; completely and carefully.
We will review the data thoroughly.
-
perfectly; utterly.
We thoroughly enjoyed the play.
Etymology
Origin of thoroughly
First recorded in 1450–1500; thorough ( def. ) + -ly ( def. )
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
On balance, I think it’s critically important that inside information is addressed thoroughly and comprehensively to support confidence rather than undermine it.
From Barron's • Mar. 28, 2026
Few federal civil-rights czars have roiled their own department as thoroughly as Ms. Dhillon did when she took office in April 2025.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 27, 2026
Will it be thoroughly integrated within the latest dietary guidelines?
From MarketWatch • Mar. 23, 2026
That alibi was outlined thoroughly in court during McCullagh's trial, with the jury shown a video of him asleep in front of the TV during the World Cup final.
From BBC • Mar. 23, 2026
It takes me about twice as long to walk there now, so I leave early to give myself time to scour the sidewalks as thoroughly as possible.
From "The Wrong Way Home" by Kate O’Shaughnessy
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
