Difference Wiki

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.
ADVERTISEMENT

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.
ADVERTISEMENT

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

Trending Comparisons

Popular Comparisons

New Comparisons