wholly different

USAGE SUMMARY

"wholly different" is a correct and usable phrase in written English, and it is often used to describe two objects, people, ideas, etc.
that are completely different from each other. For example: "My opinion on the issue is wholly different from his."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's a wholly different environment".

The New York Times - Magazine

The new burlesque performers are wholly different.

The New Yorker

The case at bar is wholly different.

Cornell University

The picketers' mission was wholly different.

The New York Times

"That's a wholly different matter," Clegg said.

The Guardian

But now the spell was wholly different.

The New Yorker

1917B, 845, is wholly different from the act here involved.

Cornell University

The Book, though, is a wholly different thing.

The New York Times

But Hudson County's power is of a wholly different order.

The New York Times

To enter a wholly different realm, empathy characterizes certain sadists.

The New Yorker

"You'll hear idioms that are wholly different from the Greek.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "wholly different" to emphasize a complete divergence or lack of similarity between two things, ideas, or situations. This phrase adds strong emphasis to the difference.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "wholly different" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "completely different" or "totally different" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wholly different" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to emphasize a complete and fundamental dissimilarity. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase indicates that things "are completely different from each other."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Academia

14%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "wholly different" is a common and grammatically correct adjective phrase used to emphasize a complete lack of similarity between two things, ideas, or situations. According to Ludwig AI, it describes elements that "are completely different from each other". Found frequently in News & Media and Academia, this phrase conveys a strong sense of divergence. While versatile, it's important to consider the context and audience, as "wholly different" can sometimes sound overly formal. For less formal settings, alternatives such as "completely unlike" or "totally different" may be more appropriate. By understanding its nuances and appropriate contexts, writers can effectively use "wholly different" to highlight significant distinctions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

entirely dissimilar

Emphasizes the complete lack of resemblance.

completely unlike

Highlights the absence of shared characteristics.

radically distinct

Stresses the fundamental nature of the divergence.

worlds apart

Uses a metaphorical expression to denote a great disparity.

poles apart

Uses a metaphorical expression indicating an opposition or great difference.

distinctly contrasting

Highlights the contrast between two or more things.

qualitatively different

Focuses on differences in the nature or quality of something.

a far cry from

Indicates a significant deviation from a prior state or expectation.

bears no resemblance to

Indicates that there is no similarity at all.

dissimilar in every respect

Emphasizes that there are no similarities in any aspect.

FAQs

What does "wholly different" mean?

The phrase "wholly different" means completely or entirely different. It emphasizes a significant divergence between two or more things.

How can I use "wholly different" in a sentence?

You can use "wholly different" to emphasize the degree of difference between two things. For example, "The new policy is "entirely dissimilar" to the old one, making it a "wholly different" approach."

Are there synonyms for "wholly different"?

Yes, some synonyms for "wholly different" include "completely unlike", "radically distinct", or "worlds apart". Choose the synonym that best fits the context of your sentence.

Is it correct to say "totally different" instead of "wholly different"?

Yes, "totally different" is a suitable alternative to "wholly different", especially in more informal contexts. While "wholly different" emphasizes a complete divergence, "totally different" conveys a similar meaning but with a slightly less formal tone. Consider the context to decide which term is most appropriate.