What is totally? Pronunciation and usage in English

totally means . Learn how to pronounce and use totally through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of totally

totallyadverb

/ˈtəʊtəli/
Definition & pronunciation of totally

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "totally" in English. It's a surprisingly tricky word! Here's a breakdown and a few different ways to hear it:

1. The Standard American Pronunciation (Most Common):

  • toe-TAL-ly

    • toe: Like the word "toe" on your foot.
    • TAL: Like "tall" (height).
    • ly: Like the ending on "friendly."

2. British Pronunciation (Common in the UK):

  • TOE-tuh-ly

    • TOE: Same as above.
    • tuh: A short, unstressed "uh" sound – almost like you're holding your breath slightly. It's a very soft "uh."
    • ly: Same as above.

Key Points & Why It's Tricky:

  • Stress: The stress is on the second syllable ("TAL"). This is what makes it feel a bit awkward to some learners.
  • The "o" sound: The "o" sound in "toe" is a bit rounder than the "o" in "hot."
  • The "uh" sound: The "uh" in the British pronunciation is incredibly subtle. It's not a full syllable, just a little pause and softening.

Resources to Hear It:

  • Google Translate: Type "totally" into Google Translate and click the speaker icon. (https://translate.google.com/)
  • Forvo: This website has pronunciations of words from various speakers. https://forvo.com/word/totally/
  • YouTube: Search for "how to pronounce totally" on YouTube – you’ll find many videos demonstrating the different pronunciations.

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • Where are you learning English? (e.g., the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, etc.) Regional accents can influence pronunciation.

Usage and examples with the word totally in English

Let's break down how to use "totally" in English. It's a super common word, but it can be tricky because its usage has shifted over time. Here's a breakdown of how it's used, broken down by category:

1. Originally (and Still Sometimes Used) – As an Intensifier (Similar to "really" or "completely")

  • Meaning: This is the original, more formal meaning. It adds a lot of emphasis to a statement.

  • Example: “I’m totally exhausted after that hike.” (Meaning: I’m really exhausted.)

  • Example: “That was totally amazing!” (Meaning: That was completely amazing.)

  • Example: “She’s totally dedicated to her work.” (Meaning: She’s completely dedicated.)

  • Important Note: This usage is becoming less frequent in casual conversation, and some people find it a bit dated.

2. Commonly Used Nowadays – As a Filler/Emphasis (Like “like” or “you know”)

  • Meaning: This is by far the most frequent way "totally" is used today. It doesn’t add much specific meaning on its own; it’s mostly used to create a relaxed, conversational tone. It's similar to saying "like" or "you know."

  • Example: “I was totally just thinking about that!” (Meaning: I was just thinking about that – it’s an emphasis on the immediacy.)

  • Example: “He’s totally cool.” (Meaning: He’s really cool.)

  • Example: “I totally forgot my keys.” (Meaning: I completely forgot my keys – emphasis on the fact that you forgot.)

  • Key Feature: It often appears in phrases where the actual meaning is conveyed by the words around "totally." It’s almost functioning as a little pause or filler.

3. As Part of Idioms (Phrases with Specific Meanings)

  • “Totally awesome”: Means extremely good or fantastic.
  • “Totally bizarre”: Means extremely strange or weird.
  • “Totally ridiculous”: Means extremely silly or absurd.
  • “Totally fine”: Means okay or acceptable.
  • “Totally cool”: Means agreeable or pleasing.

4. Things to Watch Out For

  • Overuse: Using "totally" too often can make your speech sound a bit childish or try-hard. It's best used sparingly.
  • Formality: Avoid using it in very formal writing or speaking (like a professional report or a serious speech).

Here's a table summarizing the uses:

Usage Meaning Example
Intensifier Really, completely “I’m totally stressed.”
Filler/Emphasis Like, you know, just “I totally didn’t see that.”
Idioms Specific positive phrases “That concert was totally awesome!”

Resources for Further Learning:

To help me give you even more specific advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of context are you using "totally" in? (e.g., casual conversation with friends, writing an email, giving a presentation?)

Synonyms for the word totally

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