Is totally formal or informal?

It is usually informal or conversational. In formal writing, completely or entirely can sound better.

Can I use totally in IELTS speaking?

Yes, you can use it in speaking. Use it naturally, but do not overuse it.

What is the difference between totally and completely?

Both mean “fully,” but totally is more casual and often sounds more spoken.

Can totally mean “very”?

Yes, in informal speech it can mean “very” or “extremely,” especially before adjectives.

← Dictionary

totally

/ˈtəʊ.təl.i/

IELTSAcademic

adverb

1.
Completely or fully. Use it to say something is true without any doubt or limit.
- I totally agree with you.
- She was totally surprised.
2.
In informal speech, it can also mean very or extremely.
- That movie was totally amazing.
- I'm totally tired after work.

Adinary Nuance

Totally is stronger and more conversational than completely. It often sounds more casual than fully, and it can feel slightly emphatic in speech. In formal writing, completely or entirely is often a better choice.

In other languages

Vietnamese: hoàn toàn
Spanish: totalmente
Chinese: 完全
Japanese: 完全に
Korean: 완전히

Etymology

Totally comes from total, which entered English from French and Latin. It became common as an adverb meaning “completely.”

Common phrases

totally agreetotally differenttotally finetotally worth it

Synonyms

completely fully entirely absolutely

Related words

total whole fully entirely

Frequently asked questions

Is totally formal or informal?: It is usually informal or conversational. In formal writing, completely or entirely can sound better.
Can I use totally in IELTS speaking?: Yes, you can use it in speaking. Use it naturally, but do not overuse it.
What is the difference between totally and completely?: Both mean “fully,” but totally is more casual and often sounds more spoken.
Can totally mean “very”?: Yes, in informal speech it can mean “very” or “extremely,” especially before adjectives.