Complete: Definition, Meaning, and Examples

Last Updated on
March 16, 2025

1. Complete (adjective): Having all necessary or appropriate parts.
2. Complete (verb): To finish making or doing; to bring to a state of fullness or wholeness.
3. Complete (adjective): Absolute; having all possible elements or characteristics.

The word "complete" signifies the state of being whole, finished, or absolute. It is used widely across various contexts, from everyday conversation to technical and academic language, to describe something that is entire, perfected, or concluded. To delve deeper into the nuances of this versatile word, let’s explore its definitions, usage, pronunciation, and much more.

"Complete" Definition: What Does "Complete" Mean?

The term "complete" has diverse meanings, depending on its usage as an adjective or a verb. Here is an exploration of its key definitions and contexts.

Definition of "Complete": Having All Parts

As an adjective, "complete" denotes something that contains all necessary or required components. This usage often describes physical objects, systems, or groups that lack nothing essential.

Definition of "Complete": To Finish

When used as a verb, "complete" refers to the act of finishing or bringing something to its intended end. It implies a sense of accomplishment or fulfillment of a task or objective.

Definition of "Complete": Absolute

Another common usage of "complete" as an adjective is to signify something that is total or absolute, leaving no room for ambiguity or incompletion. This often appears in descriptions of situations, conditions, or states of being.

Parts of Speech

The word "complete" serves multiple grammatical roles, primarily as an adjective and a verb. As an adjective, it qualifies nouns by describing their wholeness or finished state. As a verb, it functions as an action word, indicating the act of finishing or fulfilling. In both forms, "complete" captures the idea of entirety or finality.

How to Pronounce "Complete"?

The pronunciation of "complete" is straightforward but requires attention to syllable stress.

The first syllable, /kəm/, features a schwa sound, pronounced softly, almost like "kuhm." The second syllable, /ˈpliːt/, carries the primary stress and rhymes with "fleet." Make sure to elongate the "ee" sound in the stressed syllable.

Phonetic Pronunciation: /kəm-ˈpliːt/

Synonyms of "Complete": Other Ways to Say "Complete"

Understanding the synonyms of "complete" expands your vocabulary and helps you choose words that suit specific contexts. Here are some examples:

  • Whole
  • Finished
  • Total
  • Accomplished
  • Entire
  • Perfect
  • Comprehensive

Antonyms of "Complete": Other Ways to Say "Complete"

Examining the antonyms of "complete" provides insights into its contrasting meanings and uses:

  • Incomplete
  • Partial
  • Unfinished
  • Fragmented
  • Imperfect

Examples of "Complete" in a Sentence

Here are ten examples that showcase the word "complete" in various contexts:

  1. The project is finally complete after months of hard work.
  2. Please submit a complete list of your references.
  3. She will complete her degree next year.
  4. A complete understanding of the subject requires years of study.
  5. The house was not complete without its final coat of paint.
  6. The team’s victory was a complete surprise.
  7. He needs to complete his application before the deadline.
  8. The complete silence in the room was unsettling.
  9. We need a complete overhaul of the system to address these issues.
  10. The puzzle was challenging, but I managed to complete it.

Frequency of Use

The word "complete" is highly prevalent in English, frequently appearing in spoken and written contexts. Its use spans academic, professional, and casual conversations. According to linguistic studies, it has maintained consistent usage over the past century, with slight increases in contexts emphasizing achievement or perfection.

Variants of "Complete"

While "complete" itself is the root form, variations exist to suit different grammatical or contextual needs:

  1. Completely (adverb): Denotes the extent to which something is complete.
  2. Completion (noun): Refers to the act of completing or finishing something.
  3. Completeness (noun): Describes the quality or state of being complete.

Related Terms to "Complete"

Here are related terms that share similar concepts or are derived from "complete":

  1. Accomplish
  2. Fulfill
  3. Finalize
  4. Conclude
  5. Perfect

Etymology: History and Origins of "Complete"

The word "complete" originates from the Latin word completus, derived from the verb complēre, meaning "to fill up" or "to finish." It entered Middle English in the 14th century and has since evolved to encompass broader meanings. Historical usage highlights its application in describing fulfillment and entirety across diverse fields.

Derivatives and Compounds of "Complete"

The word "complete" has several derivatives and compounds:

  1. Completeness: The quality of being whole or finished.
  2. Completion: The process of bringing something to a finished state.
  3. Completely: An adverb indicating totality or absoluteness.

Common Misspellings of "Complete"

Here are some common misspellings of "complete" that should be avoided:

  1. Complet
  2. Complite
  3. Compleet

10 Idioms Similar to "Complete"

Idioms often enrich language by providing creative expressions for concepts like "complete." Here are ten idioms related to the idea of wholeness or completion:

  1. All set
  2. In the bag
  3. Good to go
  4. Wrapped up
  5. Done and dusted
  6. Home stretch
  7. Made it
  8. By a landslide
  9. Full circle
  10. Whole nine yards

10 Common Questions About "Complete"

Here are frequently asked questions about "complete," along with concise answers:

1. What is the basic definition of "complete"?

"Complete" means having all the necessary parts or finishing something entirely.

2. How can "complete" be used as a verb?

As a verb, "complete" refers to finishing or bringing something to a whole, such as completing a task or project.

3. What is the adjective form of "complete"?

The adjective form is the root word "complete" itself, meaning whole or finished.

4. Can "complete" have a negative connotation?

No, "complete" generally has positive connotations of wholeness or accomplishment.

5. How is "complete" different from "finish"?

"Complete" emphasizes wholeness or totality, while "finish" focuses on ending something.

6. What is the noun form of "complete"?

The noun forms are "completeness" or "completion."

7. Is "complete" used in mathematics?

Yes, in mathematics, it describes sets or processes that are whole or concluded.

8. What is the origin of "complete"?

It comes from Latin roots meaning "to fill up" or "to finish."

9. What does "complete" mean in sports?

In sports, it often refers to successfully executing an action, like a completed pass in football.

10. What is an example of "complete" in literature?

An author might describe a character’s transformation as "complete" to signify total change.

Conclusion

"Complete" signifies wholeness, finality, or the fulfillment of something essential. Its diverse applications make it a critical word for describing finished states or totalities in various contexts. Exploring and using "complete" enhances your linguistic precision and appreciation for nuanced language.

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