Fulfill vs. Complete: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on September 30, 2023
"Fulfill" means to carry out or satisfy a requirement, while "Complete" means to finish or make whole.
Key Differences
"Fulfill" and "Complete" are two terms that share similarities in meaning but are used in distinct contexts. To "Fulfill" primarily means to meet the requirements or expectations of something, often associated with duties, promises, or goals. For instance, one might fulfill a promise or a contractual obligation. In this sense, "Fulfill" carries an undertone of satisfying an external expectation or standard.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 30, 2023
On the other hand, "Complete" predominantly indicates the act of finishing something, ensuring it's whole or concluded. This term can be applied to tasks, projects, or any activity. When one completes a puzzle, they have put all the pieces together, ending the task. Thus, "Complete" inherently implies reaching an endpoint or conclusion.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 30, 2023
Both "Fulfill" and "Complete" can sometimes be used interchangeably, especially when referring to tasks or duties. One can fulfill a task by meeting its requirements, or one can complete it by finishing all necessary steps. However, the nuance remains; fulfilling often emphasizes the satisfaction of requirements, while completing stresses the act of finishing.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 30, 2023
Yet, there are instances where these terms are not interchangeable. One would say they've fulfilled a lifelong dream, not completed it. Similarly, one completes a form, not fulfills it. Recognizing these subtle differences aids in using "Fulfill" and "Complete" effectively.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 30, 2023
Comparison Chart
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Emphasis
Meeting requirements or expectations
Reaching an endpoint or conclusion
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 30, 2023
Grammatical Use
Often used with objectives
Commonly used in the context of tasks
Aimie Carlson
Sep 30, 2023
Fulfill and Complete Definitions
Fulfill
To carry out a duty or promise.
He worked hard to fulfill his commitment.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 30, 2023
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Complete
Having all necessary parts, elements, or steps.
The building is now complete and open to the public.
Janet White
Sep 30, 2023
Fulfill
To bring to completion or reality.
They fulfilled their vision for the project.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 30, 2023
Complete
Having all necessary or normal parts, components, or steps; entire
A complete medical history.
A complete set of dishes.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 18, 2022
Fulfill
To achieve or realize something desired.
She fulfilled her dream of becoming a doctor.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 30, 2023
Complete
(Botany) Having all principal parts, namely, the sepals, petals, stamens, and pistil or pistils. Used of a flower.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 18, 2022
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Fulfill
To meet specific requirements or criteria.
The product did not fulfill the customer's expectations.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 30, 2023
Complete
Having come to an end; concluded
The renovation of the kitchen is complete.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 18, 2022
Fulfill
To bring into actuality; effect or make real
Fulfilled their promises.
Fulfilled her dream.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 18, 2022
Fulfill
To satisfy, carry out, bring to completion (an obligation, a requirement, etc.).
You made a promise, son, and now you must fulfill it.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 18, 2022
Fulfill
To emotionally or artistically satisfy; to develop one's gifts to the fullest.
This is the most fulfilling work I've ever done.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 18, 2022
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
Dec 18, 2022
Fulfill
To obey, follow, comply with (a rule, requirement etc.).
Unfortunately, you don't fulfill the criteria for extra grants at the present time.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 18, 2022
Complete
(Football) To throw (a forward pass) that is caught in bounds by a receiver.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 18, 2022
Complete
(ambitransitive) To finish; to make done; to reach the end.
He completed the assignment on time.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 18, 2022
Fulfill
(archaic) To fill full; fill to the utmost capacity; fill up.
My lady is positively fulfilled of grace.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 18, 2022
Complete
(transitive) To make whole or entire.
The last chapter completes the book nicely.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 18, 2022
Fulfill
To fill up; to make full or complete.
Suffer thou that the children be fulfilled first, for it is not good to take the bread of children and give to hounds.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 18, 2022
Fulfill
To accomplish or carry into effect, as an intention, promise, or prophecy, a desire, prayer, or requirement, etc.; to complete by performance; to answer the requisitions of; to bring to pass, as a purpose or design; to effectuate.
He will, fulfill the desire of them fear him.
Here Nature seems fulfilled in all her ends.
Servants must their masters' minds fulfill.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 18, 2022
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
Dec 18, 2022
Fulfill
Put in effect;
Carry out a task
Execute the decision of the people
He actioned the operation
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 18, 2022
Complete
Finished; ended; concluded; completed.
When your homework is complete, you can go and play with Martin.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 18, 2022
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
Dec 18, 2022
Complete
In which every Cauchy sequence converges to a point within the space.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 18, 2022
Fulfill
To satisfy a need or requirement.
The program fulfills a community need.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 30, 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
Dec 18, 2022
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
Dec 18, 2022
Complete
Finished; ended; concluded; completed; as, the edifice is complete.
This course of vanity almost complete.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 18, 2022
Complete
Having all the parts or organs which belong to it or to the typical form; having calyx, corolla, stamens, and pistil.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 18, 2022
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
Dec 18, 2022
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
Dec 18, 2022
Complete
Bring to a whole, with all the necessary parts or elements;
A child would complete the family
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 18, 2022
Complete
Write all the required information onto a form;
Fill out this questionnaire, please!
Make out a form
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 18, 2022
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
Dec 18, 2022
Complete
Perfect and complete in every respect; having all necessary qualities;
A complete gentleman
Consummate happiness
A consummate performance
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 18, 2022
Complete
Having all four whorls or principal parts--sepals and petals and stamens and carpels (or pistils);
Complete flowers
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 18, 2022
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
Dec 18, 2022
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
Dec 18, 2022
Complete
To make whole or perfect.
His arrival completed the family gathering.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 30, 2023
Complete
Finished or concluded.
The project is complete and will launch tomorrow.
Harlon Moss
Sep 30, 2023
FAQs
If I meet all requirements, have I fulfilled or completed them?
You have "fulfilled" the requirements.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 30, 2023
Is fulfilling always about promises?
No, "Fulfill" can also refer to duties, expectations, and dreams.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 30, 2023
If I finish a book, have I fulfilled or completed it?
You have "completed" reading it.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 30, 2023
Do both words relate to satisfaction?
"Fulfill" directly relates to satisfaction; "Complete" can indirectly, as in the satisfaction of finishing.
Sara Rehman
Sep 30, 2023
When should I use "Complete" in a sentence?
Use "Complete" when indicating a finish, wholeness, or conclusion.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 30, 2023
Can "Fulfill" and "Complete" be used interchangeably?
Sometimes, especially with tasks, but they have nuanced differences.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 30, 2023
Which term relates more to satisfaction?
"Fulfill" often relates more to satisfaction, especially of requirements or expectations.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 30, 2023
Is "Complete" always about ending something?
Often, but it can also denote wholeness or thoroughness.
Harlon Moss
Sep 30, 2023
Can a project be both fulfilled and complete?
Yes, a project can fulfill its objectives and be brought to completion.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 30, 2023
Which word relates more to expectations?
"Fulfill" typically relates more to expectations.
Janet White
Sep 30, 2023
Can something be complete but not fulfilled?
Yes, a task can be finished (complete) but not meet expectations (unfulfilled).
Harlon Moss
Sep 30, 2023
Is "Fulfill" more subjective than "Complete"?
Often, as "Fulfill" can relate to personal desires or expectations.
Harlon Moss
Sep 30, 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
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
