Complete vs. Done
Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on September 27, 2023
“Complete” refers to having all necessary parts, elements, or steps, while “Done” is used when an activity is finished or a task is accomplished.
Key Differences
“Complete” and “Done” are words that denote the finishing of an activity or task. “Complete” is used more to describe when all the parts, elements, or steps that are necessary to finish a task are present or have been performed. It is often associated with the completeness or wholeness of a task or object, where every component or aspect is accounted for. “Done”, on the other hand, is a straightforward term used to state that an activity or task is finished or accomplished, irrespective of the parts or elements involved.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
The usage of “Complete” is more formal, often found in academic writings, official documents, and professional settings. It is meticulous and denotes precision, illustrating that every single piece or part is in place. “Done” is a common, everyday term, used widely in informal speech and writing, delivering the message of completion in a more general, colloquial manner, without delving into the intricate details or elements of the task or object.
Janet White
Sep 27, 2023
The context of “Complete” often revolves around the integrity of a task, referring to a state where nothing is missing or lacking. It implies the comprehensive fulfillment of prerequisites or criteria. “Done” is usually used in more casual contexts and indicates the conclusion or the ending of an activity. It is less about the wholeness or the integrity of the task and more about its conclusion, focusing primarily on the cessation of action or process.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
The grammatical role of “Complete” is versatile; it can function as a verb, adjective, or transitive verb, allowing it to adapt to different sentence structures. It can denote either the action of completing something or the state of being complete. “Done”, predominantly an adjective but also used as a verb, is more concentrated on indicating the finishing or the finalizing of an action, often not emphasizing the constituents or the internal completeness of the task or object.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
Comparison Chart
Definition
Having all necessary parts, elements, or steps.
Finished or accomplished.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
Context
More about integrity and wholeness of a task or object.
More about the conclusion or the ending of an activity.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
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Grammatical Role
Can be a verb, adjective, or transitive verb.
Predominantly an adjective but also used as a verb.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
Formality
More formal and denotes precision.
Common and informal, used in everyday language.
Harlon Moss
Sep 27, 2023
Focus
On the wholeness or the integrity of the task.
On the cessation of action or process.
Samantha Walker
Sep 27, 2023
Complete and Done Definitions
Complete
Having all the necessary parts, elements, or steps.
The puzzle is complete when every piece is in place.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
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Complete
Absolute; utter.
It was a complete surprise when he arrived unannounced.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
Complete
Having all necessary or normal parts, components, or steps; entire
A complete medical history.
A complete set of dishes.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 24, 2023
Complete
(Botany) Having all principal parts, namely, the sepals, petals, stamens, and pistil or pistils. Used of a flower.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 24, 2023
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Complete
Having come to an end; concluded
The renovation of the kitchen is complete.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 24, 2023
Done
Socially acceptable
Spitting on the street is just not done in polite society.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 24, 2023
Done
Having completed or finished an activity.
He pushed his empty plate away, sighed and pronounced "I am done."
They were done playing and were picking up the toys when he arrived.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 24, 2023
Done
(of an activity or task) Completed or finished.
I'll text you when the movie's done.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 24, 2023
Done
(of food) Ready, fully cooked.
As soon as the potatoes are done we can sit down and eat.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 24, 2023
Complete
To make whole, with all necessary elements or parts
A second child would complete their family. Fill in the blanks to complete the form.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 24, 2023
Done
Being exhausted or fully spent.
When the water is done we will only be able to go on for a few days.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 24, 2023
Complete
(Football) To throw (a forward pass) that is caught in bounds by a receiver.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 24, 2023
Done
Without hope or prospect of completion or success.
He is done, after three falls there is no chance he will be able to finish.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 24, 2023
Complete
(ambitransitive) To finish; to make done; to reach the end.
He completed the assignment on time.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 24, 2023
Done
Fashionable, socially acceptable, tasteful.
I can't believe he just walked up and spoke to her like that, those kind of things just aren't done!
What is the done thing these days? I can't keep up!
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 24, 2023
Complete
(transitive) To make whole or entire.
The last chapter completes the book nicely.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 24, 2023
Complete
With all parts included; with nothing missing; full.
My life will be complete once I buy this new television.
She offered me complete control of the project.
After she found the rook, the chess set was complete.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 24, 2023
Done
Used in forming the perfective aspect; have.
I woke up and found out she done left.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 24, 2023
Complete
Finished; ended; concluded; completed.
When your homework is complete, you can go and play with Martin.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 24, 2023
Complete
Generic intensifier.
He is a complete bastard!
It was a complete shock when he turned up on my doorstep.
Our vacation was a complete disaster.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 24, 2023
Complete
In which every Cauchy sequence converges to a point within the space.
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Mar 24, 2023
Done
It is done or agreed; let it be a match or bargain; - used elliptically.
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Mar 24, 2023
Done
Given; executed; issued; made public; - used chiefly in the clause giving the date of a proclamation or public act.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 24, 2023
Done
Having finished or arrived at completion;
Certain to make history before he's done
It's a done deed
After the treatment, the patient is through except for follow-up
Almost through with his studies
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 24, 2023
Complete
That is in a given complexity class and is such that every other problem in the class can be reduced to it (usually in polynomial time or logarithmic space).
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 24, 2023
Complete
Filled up; with no part or element lacking; free from deficiency; entire; perfect; consummate.
Ye are complete in him.
That thou, dead corse, again in complete steelRevisit'st thus the glimpses of the moon.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 24, 2023
Done
Executed; carried out.
Once the payment is done, the product will be shipped.
Harlon Moss
Sep 27, 2023
Complete
Finished; ended; concluded; completed; as, the edifice is complete.
This course of vanity almost complete.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 24, 2023
Complete
Having all the parts or organs which belong to it or to the typical form; having calyx, corolla, stamens, and pistil.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 24, 2023
Complete
To bring to a state in which there is no deficiency; to perfect; to consummate; to accomplish; to fulfill; to finish; as, to complete a task, or a poem; to complete a course of education.
Bred only and completed to the tasteOf lustful appetence.
And, to complete her bliss, a fool for mate.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 24, 2023
Complete
Come or bring to a finish or an end;
He finished the dishes
She completed the requirements for her Master's Degree
The fastest runner finished the race in just over 2 hours; others finished in over 4 hours
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 24, 2023
Complete
Bring to a whole, with all the necessary parts or elements;
A child would complete the family
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 24, 2023
Complete
Write all the required information onto a form;
Fill out this questionnaire, please!
Make out a form
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 24, 2023
Complete
Having every necessary or normal part or component or step;
A complete meal
A complete wardrobe
A complete set pf the Britannica
A complete set of china
A complete defeat
A complete accounting
An incomplete flower
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 24, 2023
Complete
Perfect and complete in every respect; having all necessary qualities;
A complete gentleman
Consummate happiness
A consummate performance
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 24, 2023
Complete
Having all four whorls or principal parts--sepals and petals and stamens and carpels (or pistils);
Complete flowers
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 24, 2023
Complete
Without qualification; used informally as (often pejorative) intensifiers;
An arrant fool
A complete coward
A consummate fool
A double-dyed villain
Gross negligence
A perfect idiot
Pure folly
What a sodding mess
Stark staring mad
A thoroughgoing villain
Utter nonsense
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 24, 2023
Complete
Having come or been brought to a conclusion;
The harvesting was complete
The affair is over, ended, finished
The abruptly terminated interview
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 24, 2023
Complete
To finish making or doing.
I will complete the assignment before the deadline.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 27, 2023
FAQs
Are both “Complete” and “Done” used to denote the finishing of a task?
Yes, both “Complete” and “Done” denote the finishing of a task
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
Does “Complete” focus more on the integrity of a task?
Yes, “Complete” often implies the integrity and wholeness of a task.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
Is “Done” more about the conclusion of an activity?
Yes, “Done” primarily indicates the conclusion or ending of an activity
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
Is “Done” predominantly used as an adjective?
Yes, “Done” is predominantly used as an adjective.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 27, 2023
Is “Done” used in everyday informal language?
Yes, “Done” is a common term used in everyday informal language.
Harlon Moss
Sep 27, 2023
Is “Done” used to denote that cooking is finished?
Yes, “Done” can be used to denote that food is cooked sufficiently.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
Does “Complete” imply that nothing is missing or lacking?
Yes, “Complete” implies that nothing is missing or lacking in a task or object.
Samantha Walker
Sep 27, 2023
Can “Complete” function as a verb and adjective?
Yes, “Complete” can function as both a verb and an adjective.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 27, 2023
Does “Complete” appear in more formal contexts like academic writings?
Yes, “Complete” often appears in more formal contexts, including academic writings.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
Is “Complete” more formal than “Done”?
Yes, “Complete” is generally more formal and precise compared to “Done.”
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
Can “Complete” be used to describe absolute or utter situations?
Yes, “Complete” can be used to describe absolute or utter situations, as in "complete surprise."
Harlon Moss
Sep 27, 2023
Can “Done” refer to an agreed or resolved state?
Yes, “Done” can refer to an agreed or resolved state, as in "a done deal."
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
Does “Complete” have various grammatical roles in sentences?
Yes, “Complete” has versatile grammatical roles, allowing it to adapt to different sentence structures.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
Is “Done” simple and fundamental in learning English?
Yes, “Done” is fundamental and is usually one of the first words taught when learning English.
Samantha Walker
Sep 27, 2023
Can “Done” be used casually to convey completion?
Yes, “Done” is often used casually to convey the general sense of completion.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
