full sense of the word

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "full sense of the word" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It means to fully understand the true or complete meaning of a particular word or concept. It can be used in any context where you want to emphasize a precise or exact meaning. For example: "I am a true artist in the full sense of the word, constantly striving for perfection in my craft." "She embodies the word 'resilience' in the full sense of the word, overcoming every obstacle with grace and determination." "Let me explain the concept to you in the full sense of the word so you have a complete understanding." In each of these examples, the phrase is used to highlight the depth and accuracy of the meaning being conveyed.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

"This is aggression in the full sense of the word".

The New York Times

How prepared are we to love, in the true, full sense of the word?

The New Yorker

This is an alliance in the full sense of the word.

The Economist

Buddhism teaches in essence that there are no gods in the full sense of the word.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Yet, in fact, these people are not "starstruck" in the full sense of the word.

The Guardian - Film

"When we have California celebrities commenting on oil, it's a little rich, in its full sense of the word.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

And a performance, in the fullest sense of the word, was what Thursday's program demanded.

The New York Times - Arts

That's why I'm not a pacifist in the fullest sense of the word.

The New Yorker

Cricket is a Comedy in the fullest sense of the word.

The Guardian - Sport

IC Katie Paterson is an astronomical artist – in the fullest sense of the word.

The Guardian - Arts

He was, in short, a brilliant psychologist, but also a moral philosopher in the fullest sense of the word.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "full sense of the word" when you want to emphasize that you are considering all aspects and implications of a particular term or concept. It adds weight and precision to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "full sense of the word" in situations where the meaning is already clear. Overusing it can make your writing sound pretentious. Opt for simpler language when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "full sense of the word" functions as an intensifier, emphasizing the depth and completeness of a particular attribute, characteristic, or concept. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "full sense of the word" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to emphasize the comprehensive understanding of a term or concept. Ludwig AI's analysis indicates its suitability across various contexts, particularly in news and media, academia, and encyclopedias. While versatile, it's best used when a thorough and complete understanding is crucial to avoid sounding pretentious in simpler contexts. Related phrases like "complete understanding" or "true meaning" offer alternatives, depending on the desired nuance. The phrase serves to intensify meaning, ensuring that the audience appreciates all facets of what's being communicated.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

complete understanding

Emphasizes the thoroughness of comprehension.

true meaning

Highlights the accurate interpretation.

proper sense

Focuses on the correct or appropriate interpretation.

literal meaning

Stresses adherence to the exact definition.

in its entirety

Highlights the complete and unabridged scope.

total import

Emphasizes the overall significance and meaning.

actual significance

Focuses on the real-world relevance.

real essence

Highlights the fundamental nature.

inherent value

Focuses on intrinsic worth and significance.

unqualified sense

Emphasizes that there are no caveats to the meaning.

FAQs

How can I use "full sense of the word" in a sentence?

Use "full sense of the word" to emphasize a comprehensive or complete understanding of a term. For example, "He is a leader in the "full sense of the word", inspiring his team and achieving remarkable results."

What does "full sense of the word" actually mean?

The phrase "full sense of the word" means considering all aspects, implications, and nuances of a particular term or concept. It suggests a thorough and complete understanding.

Which is more appropriate: "full sense of the word" or "absolute sense of the word"?

Both phrases are similar, but "full sense of the word" typically implies a comprehensive understanding, while "absolute sense of the word" suggests an unqualified or unrestricted interpretation. Choose the phrase that best fits the context.

What are some alternatives to "full sense of the word"?

Alternatives include "complete understanding", "true meaning", or "proper sense depending on the context".