The word "thoroughly" is spelled as /ˈθʌrəli/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable "thor" is pronounced with the voiceless dental fricative /θ/, followed by the short schwa /ə/ sound. Then, the second syllable "ough" is pronounced as the long vowel sound /ʌ/, which can also be represented as /uh/. Finally, the word ends with the syllable "ly" pronounced as /li/, with the long vowel /i/. This word means to do something carefully and completely, leaving no part untouched.
Thoroughly is an adverb that denotes the completeness or extent of an action, process, or condition. It signifies performing a task, examining or investigating something, or understanding a concept in a comprehensive, detailed, and exhaustive manner. It implies leaving no aspect untouched, with careful and meticulous attention given to every part, aspect, or detail involved.
When used to describe an action, it suggests that the task has been done diligently, with great care, and thoughtfully, in order to achieve the desired outcome. For instance, a gardener may thoroughly weed a garden, implying that each weed is meticulously removed to eliminate any possibilities of regrowth.
In the context of examination or investigation, thoroughly implies a rigorous analysis or exploration of a subject matter. An auditor may thoroughly review financial records to ensure their accuracy and compliance with established standards. Similarly, a detective may thoroughly investigate a crime scene to uncover all evidence and identify potential leads.
Furthermore, the term can also be employed to describe understanding or mastery of a concept or topic. It suggests a level of comprehension that extends beyond the surface knowledge, emphasizing an in-depth understanding attained by studying and exploring the subject matter exhaustively.
Overall, thoroughly represents a comprehensive and meticulous approach towards an action, process, or understanding, indicating a willingness to leave no stones unturned or details unattended to.
Fully; completely.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "thoroughly" originated from the Middle English word "thoroughli", which was derived from the Old English word "thuruhlic", combining the elements "thuruh" (meaning through) and "-lic" (a suffix forming adverbs). Ultimately, the Old English word can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "thuruh", which shares a similar meaning of "through". The word "thoroughly" has maintained its meaning of doing something completely or in a comprehensive manner throughout its evolution.