Solely vs. Wholly: What's the Difference?
Solely and Wholly Definitions
Solely
Alone; singly
Solely responsible.
Wholly
Completely; entirely
"The old American purposes are still wholly relevant" (John F. Kennedy).
Solely
Entirely; exclusively
Did it solely for love.
Wholly
Exclusively; solely.
Solely
Alone; exclusively.
The new chef was solely responsible for attending the grill.
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Wholly
Completely and entirely; to the fullest extent.
Solely
Singly; alone; only; without another; as, to rest a cause solely one argument; to rely solelyn one's own strength.
Wholly
Exclusively and solely.
A creature wholly given to brawls and wine.
Solely
Without any others being included or involved;
Was entirely to blame
A school devoted entirely to the needs of problem children
He works for Mr. Smith exclusively
Did it solely for money
The burden of proof rests on the prosecution alone
A privilege granted only to him
Wholly
In a whole or complete manner; entirely; completely; perfectly.
Nor wholly overcome, nor wholly yield.
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Wholly
To the exclusion of other things; totally; fully.
They employed themselves wholly in domestic life.
Wholly
To a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (`whole' is often used informally for `wholly');
He was wholly convinced
Entirely satisfied with the meal
It was completely different from what we expected
Was completely at fault
A totally new situation
The directions were all wrong
It was not altogether her fault
An altogether new approach
A whole new idea
