What does the word complete mean?
According to Your Dictionary, Collins English Dictionary and American Heritage the word complete can be used as an adjective or a verb. As a verb, this word means to finish. As an adjective, such uses include describing something with an unbroken unity or all of its principal parts. In grammar, complete is used to refer to sentences that are not sentence fragments, or an incomplete sentence.
The word complete can be used in many ways, including a complete subject, complete accounting, complete components, complete essential amino acids, a complete chess set, complete shock, complete control of the project, complete title deeds, complete conveyance of land, complete set of china, a complete thought, a complete fool, a complete set of the Britannica, a complete wardrobe, a complete meal, complete defeat, and more.
Many different languages also contain words that mean complete. You may notice that many of these translations of complete look and sound similar to the word complete itself. These are called cognates, which are words of different languages that look and sound alike while also retaining a similar meaning. These are often formed when two words or languages have the same root or language of origin. This list of translations of the word complete is provided by Word Sense.
- Russian: по́лный, це́лый, соверше́нный
- Mandarin: 完全 (wánquán)
- Galician: completo
- Nynorsk: komplett
- Urdu: پورا (pūrā)
- Finnish: täydellinen
- French: complet (masc.), complète (fem.)
- Interlingua: complete
- Ukrainian: по́вний
- Catalan: complet (masc.), completa (fem.)
- Dutch: volledig, compleet, allesomvattend (less used), algeheel
- Belarusian: по́ўны
- Irish: líonmhar, foirfe
- Asturian: completu
- Spanish: completo
- Scottish Gaelic: buileach
- Occitan: complet
- Sorani: تهواو (tawAw)
- Hindi: पूरा (pūrā)
- Romanian: complet
- Latvian: pilnīgs
- Slovene: popoln
- Italian: completo (masc.), completa (fem.)
- Esperanto: kompleta
- Bulgarian: пъ́лен (masc.), цял
- Czech: úplný (masc.), plný
- Yoruba: bam-bam
- Slovak: plný
- Indonesian: lengkap, sempurna, komplit
- Swedish: komplett, fullständig
- Arabic: كَامِل
- Japanese: 完全, 全い (mattai)
- Greek: πλήρης (masc.) (f), πλήρες (neut.)
- Bokmål: komplett
- German: ganz, komplett, vollständig
- Turkish: tamam
- Swahili: kamili
- Polish: pełny, kompletny
- Macedonian: полн
- Persian: کامل (kâmel), کمپلت (komplet)
- Roman: pun
- Telugu: పూర్తి, సంపూర్ణమైన
- Cyrillic: пун
- Portuguese: completo, integral, totalizado, íntegro
What are synonyms and antonyms of complete?
There are many different words and phrases that a person can choose to use in place of the word complete. These are called synonyms, which are defined as words and phrases with the same definition as another word or phrase. Learning synonyms is a great way to expand your English vocabulary and avoid repeating yourself. This list of synonyms of complete is from Power Thesaurus.
- sheer
- perfect
- all-inclusive
- wind up
- utter
- absolute
- concluded
- arrant
- wrap up
- unmitigated
- completion
- total
- terminate
- achieve
- integral
- conclude
- unqualified
- fully
- whole
- accomplish
- outright
- fill out
- complement
- overall
- completely
- carry out
- fill
- discharge
- full
- downright
- out-and-out
- finished
- thorough
- pure
- consummate
- entire
- thoroughgoing
- comprehensive
- completed
- close
- exhaustive
- terminated
- perform
- fulfill
- ended
- finish
- finalize
- stark
- execute
- gross
There are also many different words that have the opposite meaning as the word complete. These opposite words are called antonyms, which are another quick and easy way to expand your English language vocabulary. This list of antonyms is also provided by Power Thesaurus.
- needy
- imprecise
- part
- cut
- deserted
- haphazard
- inadequate
- begin
- imperfect
- continue
- missing
- almost empty
- incomplete
- defective
- rough
- restricted
- wanting
- fail
- give up
- limited
- circumscribed
- failed
- neglect
- miss
- devoid
- get started
- half
- open
- halfway
- ignored
- shallow
- narrow
- uncompleted
- ruin
- forget
- unfinished
- lacking
- deficient
- undone
- fragmentary
- cursory
- partial
- insufficient
- quit
- jejune
- empty
- ignore
- commence
- short
- mitigated
What is the origin of the word complete?
According to Your Dictionary, the word complete comes from the Middle English complet or Middle English compleet. This comes from the Middle French and Old French complet or Latin completus/Latin complētus, which is the past participle of complēre/past participle of complere, from plēre/plere and pelə in Indo-European roots.
How can the word complete be used in a sentence?
There are many different ways in which the word complete can be used in a sentence in the English language. Using words in a sentence is a fantastic way to familiarize yourself with their definitions and add them to your vocabulary. You can also try making flashcards or a quiz for yourself to test your knowledge of the definitions of different words. Try using this new word of the day in a sentence today! Below are a couple of different examples of using the word complete in a sentence to help get your started.
The quarterback completed a forward pass to the greatest lower bound of the field for a touchdown in American Football.
The complete scholar finished her research on the sepals, pistil, petals, stamens, and carpels. She did good work in completing these teaching resources for the practice tests, which was a requirement for her master’s degree along with years of teaching experience in math and botany.
The lattice fence was finally complete. They chose a premium fence for a complete change of scene.
The complete list of necessary parts required to complete the assignment was astronomical. The normal parts for the job were nowhere near this many.
The mathematics professor completed grading the logical system exams – they were a complete disaster, unlike those from the algebra category..
Once she finished the dishes, she would light candles and watch that complete bastard on her new television.
On vacation, she needed a complete disconnect from her old life. Once she crossed the doorstep, work and family did not exist. It was just her and her necessary elements.
The beans, poultry, whole grains and dairy all formed complete proteins, unlike incomplete proteins of soy. Many people choose to eat animal products to eat enough protein, but not too much protein.
She read over the lesson summary for her custom course. She liked that she could track course progress to see how complete her work was, plus having unlimited access to video lessons and related study materials, and the ability to contact customer support was a huge upgrade.
Overall, the word complete means whole or finished.
Sources:
- complete: meaning, origin, translation | Word Sense
- Complete synonyms – 3 559 Words and Phrases for Complete | Power Thesaurus
- Complete antonyms – 1 524 Opposites of Complete | Power Thesaurus
- Complete Meaning | Best 27 Definitions of Complete | Your Dictionary
Kevin Miller is a growth marketer with an extensive background in Search Engine Optimization, paid acquisition and email marketing. He is also an online editor and writer based out of Los Angeles, CA. He studied at Georgetown University, worked at Google and became infatuated with English Grammar and for years has been diving into the language, demystifying the do’s and don’ts for all who share the same passion! He can be found online here.
полный, совершенный, завершать, дополнить, полностью, совершенно
прилагательное ↓
- полный
- законченный
his work is now complete — его работа теперь завершена
- совершенный, абсолютный
complete stranger — совершенно незнакомый человек
complete fool — круглый дурак
complete master of fence — настоящий мастер фехтования, искусный фехтовальщик
complete gentleman — безупречный джентльмен
it was a complete surprise to me — это было для меня совершенно неожиданно
глагол ↓
- заканчивать, завершать
to complete a task — закончить задание
to complete a second [third] year — окончить второй [третий] курс
the railway [the house] is not completed yet — постройка железной дороги [дома] ещё не закончена
the army completed a successful attack on the enemy citadel — армия завершила успешный штурм крепости противника
- укомплектовать
I need one more volume to complete my set of Dickens’s works — мне нужен ещё один том, чтобы укомплектовать собрание сочинений Диккенса
- сделать совершенным
- редк. исполнять, выполнять (клятву и т. п.)
Мои примеры
Словосочетания
a decadent hotel room, complete with a hot tub — роскошный гостиничный номер, да ещё и с джакузи впридачу
the complete and unabridged works of Dickens — полные и несокращённые произведения Диккенса
complete / pure / sheer / total / utter bliss — высшее счастье, абсолютное блаженство
complete / sheer / utter boredom — полная скука
absolute / complete / utter certitude — абсолютная убеждённость, уверенность
complete / total / utter chaos — совершенный беспорядок, полный хаос
complete chord — полный аккорд
complete definition — полное определение
complete set of works — полное собрание сочинений
a complete period of time — законченный промежуток времени
a complete artist — настоящий художник
complete silence — абсолютная тишина
Примеры с переводом
My life is a complete mess.
В моей жизни — полный бардак.
Please complete the attached forms.
Заполните, пожалуйста, приложенные формы.
The room was in complete disorder.
В комнате царил полный беспорядок.
His pride drove him to complete the job.
Гордость заставила его закончить начатую работу.
I feel like a complete dodo.
Я чувствую себя полным кретином.
Simply complete the coupon below.
Просто заполните прилагаемый бланк.
He’s a complete phoney!
Да он ведь насквозь фальшивый!
ещё 23 примера свернуть
Примеры, ожидающие перевода
Staff who complete extra qualifications receive no extrinsic rewards (=no extra money etc).
Matching bag and accessories provide a complete ensemble of colour coordinates.
…this fridge comes with a money-back guaranty of complete customer satisfaction…
Для того чтобы добавить вариант перевода, кликните по иконке ☰, напротив примера.
Возможные однокоренные слова
completely — полностью, совершенно, вполне, всецело, вконец, безраздельно, сполна, дотла, дочиста
completeness — полнота, завершенность, законченность
completion — завершение, окончание, заключение, отбывание наказания
completive — завершающий, заканчивающий
incomplete — неполный, незавершенный, незаконченный, несовершенный, дефектный
completed — завершенный, законченный, оконченный, доделанный
Формы слова
verb
I/you/we/they: complete
he/she/it: completes
ing ф. (present participle): completing
2-я ф. (past tense): completed
3-я ф. (past participle): completed
For those of you unsure as to why these are ..shall we say…»counterproductive in your search for an agent», just drop me an email or a comment with the number in it and I’ll post a full, complete, profanity fueled diatribe ..complete with flames. ❋ Miss Snark (2005)
By the assistance, however, of the latter, what store of learning might we not expect from complete Arabic translations of many of the Greek and Latin authors, _viz. _ of the _complete_ works of Livy, Tacitus, and many others. ❋ Abd Salam Shabeeny (N/A)
«complete verifiable elimination» covering even undeclared nuclear facilities, similar to the Bush administration’s principle of ¡°complete, verifiable, irreversible denuclearization. ❋ Unknown (2008)
SAN FRANCISCO—Three years after calling the term «complete gibberish,» Larry Ellison is selling the cloud. ❋ Ben Worthen (2011)
The word complete in the first chapter of James means “whole,” “well,” or “physical or spiritual well-being.” ❋ JONATHAN FALWELL (2008)
The planeswalker’s use of the term complete ran a chill through the mage. ❋ Coleman, Loren L. (1999)
Hence, in the sale of real estate by the husband, his wife must, with the husband, sign the conveyance to make the title complete to the purchaser. ❋ Joseph Triemens (N/A)
SAN FRANCISCO-Three years after calling the term «complete gibberish,» Larry Ellison is selling the cloud.
Obviously, the very first season in 1992, you had what I call complete virgins. ❋ Unknown (2006)
In The Book of Bond 1965, former British Secret Service Chief of Staff William Tanner offers what he calls a complete and authoritative guide to 007-ly thought, conversation and behavior. ❋ Unknown (2006)
This, my friend, is what I call complete and utter bullshit. ❋ Unclebob (2001)
In it, Mr Roberts, a former senior BBC manager, is highly critical of the decision to abolish the group, which he described as a «complete surprise». ❋ WalesOnline (2012)
While Ken was dealing with what he calls complete incompetence and bureacracy at it’s worse, I was standing on the side of the road under a blazing Texas sun — for almost 3 hours!! ❋ Unknown (2010)
Splaine says the situation demands what he calls complete sunlight. ❋ Unknown (2010)
From Target Zahra moved to the then ailing and now deceased ultra high-end department store, Georges, which he describes as a complete basket case, one that, at the age of 25, he was not equipped to salvage. ❋ Unknown (2010)
Well-intentioned bagel-and-samosa mixers are what he called a complete fraud. ❋ Unknown (2009)
Bemoaning what he described as complete neglect of the area by successive administrations, ❋ Unknown (2009)
«Because Islam is not just a religion, but a total inclusive and comprehensive way of life that inspires and provides guidance and direction through all aspects of the devotee’s life in order to aid him in obtaining close proximity to God and evolving into what we call a complete or a perfect human being.» ❋ Unknown (2009)
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Other forms: completed; completing; completes; completest
Complete means that something is finished, or has all of its necessary parts. When the mechanic hands you your keys, you hope that the work on your car is complete, and he hasn’t left out a few important pieces of your engine.
Complete can be used as an adjective to describe something that is whole or finished, like a complete turkey dinner, which includes not only the bird, but also the stuffing, potatoes, cranberry sauce, and gravy. Another way to use complete is as a verb meaning to make something whole. Adding candles completes the birthday cake.
Definitions of complete
-
adjective
perfect and complete in every respect; having all necessary qualities
“a
complete gentleman”-
synonyms:
consummate
-
perfect
being complete of its kind and without defect or blemish
-
perfect
-
adjective
having every necessary or normal part or component or step
“a
complete meal”“a
complete wardrobe”“a
complete set of the Britannica”“a
complete set of china”“a
complete defeat”“a
complete accounting”-
Synonyms:
-
whole
including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete
-
absolute, downright, out-and-out, rank, right-down, sheer
complete and without restriction or qualification; sometimes used informally as intensifiers
-
accomplished, completed, realised, realized
successfully completed or brought to an end
-
all
completely given to or absorbed by
-
all-or-none, all-or-nothing
occurring completely or not occurring at all
-
all-out, full-scale
using all available resources
-
allover
covering the entire surface
-
clean
thorough and without qualification
-
completed
caught
-
dead, utter
complete
-
exhaustive, thorough, thoroughgoing
performed comprehensively and completely
-
fleshed out, full-clad
given substance or detail; completed
-
full, total
complete in extent or degree and in every particular
-
full-blown
having or displaying all the characteristics necessary for completeness
-
full-dress
complete in every respect
-
good
thorough
-
hearty
without reservation
-
self-contained
constituting a complete and independent unit in and of itself
-
sound
thorough
-
stand-alone
capable of operating independently
-
comprehensive, overarching
including all or everything
-
whole
-
adjective
having come or been brought to a conclusion
“the harvesting was
complete”-
synonyms:
all over, concluded, ended, over, terminated
-
finished
ended or brought to an end
-
finished
-
verb
come or bring to a finish or an end
“She
completed the requirements for her Master’s Degree”-
synonyms:
finish
see moresee less-
types:
- show 15 types…
- hide 15 types…
-
close
finish a game in baseball by protecting a lead
-
top, top off
finish up or conclude
-
clear up, finish off, finish up, get through, mop up, polish off, wrap up
finish a task completely
-
see through
remain with until completion
-
finish out, round out
fill out
-
carry out, follow out, follow through, follow up, go through, implement, put through
pursue to a conclusion or bring to a successful issue
-
accomplish, action, carry out, carry through, execute, fulfil, fulfill
put in effect
-
cap off
finish or complete, as with some decisive action
-
adhere
follow through or carry out a plan without deviation
-
get over
to bring (a necessary but unpleasant task) to an end
-
run
carry out
-
consummate
make perfect; bring to perfection
-
consummate
fulfill sexually
-
do, perform
get (something) done
-
discharge, dispatch
complete or carry out
-
type of:
-
end, terminate
bring to an end or halt
-
verb
complete or carry out
-
verb
write all the required information onto a form
-
verb
bring to a whole, with all the necessary parts or elements
“A child would
complete the family” -
“a
complete musician”-
synonyms:
accomplished
-
skilled
having or showing or requiring special skill
-
skilled
-
adjective
without qualification; used informally as (often pejorative) intensifiers
“a
complete coward”-
synonyms:
arrant, consummate, double-dyed, everlasting, gross, perfect, pure, sodding, staring, stark, thoroughgoing, unadulterated, utter
-
unmitigated
not diminished or moderated in intensity or severity; sometimes used as an intensifier
-
unmitigated
DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘complete’.
Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors.
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Adjective
He spoke in complete sentences.
They sat in complete silence.
Verb
The project took four months to complete.
Her latest purchase completes her collection.
The new baby completed their family.
The quarterback completed 12 out of 15 passes.
See More
Recent Examples on the Web
April Fools’ Day in December) by having a town-wide food fight, complete with military strategy and historical lore.
—Aj Willingham, CNN, 1 Apr. 2023
Loyola kids set up a tailgate in the parking lot pregame, complete with a mini-barbece.
—Luca Evans, Los Angeles Times, 31 Mar. 2023
Each one is impressive, but the latter is a serious standout, complete with six-times distilled vodka and real espresso.
—Samantha Simon, ELLE, 31 Mar. 2023
Once this project is complete, the city will no longer have use for the old fire station at 301 West Warren.
—Dustin Wyatt, Orlando Sentinel, 31 Mar. 2023
After all, what neighborhood would be complete without that one, brave gardening crusader walking up and down the block during the dinner hour, knocking on doors, and casually pointing out the inadequacies of your mulch application or lack thereof?
—Paul Cappiello, The Courier-Journal, 31 Mar. 2023
His own home would be modeled after a 14th century Spanish castle, complete with a drawbridge.
—John Dolen, Sun Sentinel, 30 Mar. 2023
The second floor has five bedrooms — some of them suites with large, walk-in closets — while the top floor has an additional three bedrooms and two bathrooms, as well as a unique entertaining and living space, complete with a theater and a bar area.
—Olivia Jakiel, Peoplemag, 30 Mar. 2023
Ovios Wicker Patio Conversation Set Now 22% Off $1,583 at Lowe’s Get the most out of your back patio with this luxe outdoor furniture set, complete with a fire pit table!
—Samantha Jones, Good Housekeeping, 29 Mar. 2023
Rogers, who just completed her fourth-year junior season, is still at home in Dallas.
—oregonlive, 5 Apr. 2023
After completing her studies at Cooper Union, Savage flourished in Harlem’s art scene.
—Tanisha C. Ford, Town & Country, 4 Apr. 2023
Arnold had previously won the 2021 and 2022 awards before completing the unanimous three-peat this season.
—Michael Whitlow, Journal Sentinel, 4 Apr. 2023
Just after the pair completed Lap 247, O’Ward inched ahead on the front stretch dogleg.
—Nathan Brown, The Indianapolis Star, 4 Apr. 2023
Since Overton only completed four innings, the Reds needed a bullpen that was a question mark entering the season to close out the majority of the game.
—Charlie Goldsmith, The Enquirer, 4 Apr. 2023
Jackson has won only one of four playoff games, completing 76 of 136 passes (55.9%).
—Mike Preston, Baltimore Sun, 4 Apr. 2023
Finland’s membership becomes official when its own foreign minister hands over documents completing its accession process to Blinken.
—Lorne Cook And Matthew Lee, BostonGlobe.com, 4 Apr. 2023
The female bird laid two eggs over the winter, one which broke on February 21 and another which completed its incubation period and hatched on March 26.
—Kimberlee Speakman, Peoplemag, 4 Apr. 2023
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These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word ‘complete.’ Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
complete
finished, ended, concluded; having all parts or elements: a complete set of encyclopedias
Not to be confused with:
compleat – highly skilled and accomplished in all aspects: The compleat writer is adept in many genres.
Abused, Confused, & Misused Words by Mary Embree Copyright © 2007, 2013 by Mary Embree
com·plete
(kəm-plēt′)
adj. com·plet·er, com·plet·est
1. Having all necessary or normal parts, components, or steps; entire: a complete medical history; a complete set of dishes.
2. Botany Having all principal parts, namely, the sepals, petals, stamens, and pistil or pistils. Used of a flower.
3. Having come to an end; concluded: The renovation of the kitchen is complete.
4.
a. Absolute; thorough: complete control; a complete mystery.
b. Accomplished; consummate: a complete musician.
5. Football Caught in bounds by a receiver: a complete pass.
tr.v. com·plet·ed, com·plet·ing, com·pletes
1. To bring to a finish or an end: She has completed her studies.
2. To make whole, with all necessary elements or parts: A second child would complete their family. Fill in the blanks to complete the form.
3. Football To throw (a forward pass) that is caught in bounds by a receiver.
[Middle English complet, from Latin complētus, past participle of complēre, to fill out : com-, intensive pref.; see com- + plēre, to fill; see pelə- in Indo-European roots.]
com·plete′ly adv.
com·plete′ness n.
com·ple′tive adj.
Synonyms: complete, finish, close, end, conclude, terminate
These verbs mean to bring to a natural or proper stopping point. Complete and finish suggest the final stage in an undertaking: «Nothing worth doing is completed in our lifetime» (Reinhold Niebuhr).«Give us the tools, and we will finish the job» (Winston S. Churchill).
Close and end both imply bringing something ongoing to a conclusion: The band closed the concert with an encore. We ended the meal with fruit and cheese. End can also mean putting a stop to something, often with finality: «Many advocates say [putting] laptops in schools is a promising way to end the digital divide between the races» (Char Simons).«It left him more exposed than ever, forcing him to end the career he loved» (Molly Worthen).
Conclude is more formal than close and end: The author concluded the article by restating the major points. Terminate suggests reaching an established limit: The playing of the national anthem terminated the station’s broadcast for the night. It also indicates the dissolution of a formal arrangement: The firm terminated my contract yesterday.
Usage Note: Although complete is often held to be an absolute term like perfect or chief, and supposedly not subject to comparison, it is often modified by words like more and less in standard usage. As far back as 1965, a majority of the Usage Panel accepted the example His book is the most complete treatment of the subject. See Usage Note at absolute.
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
complete
(kəmˈpliːt)
adj
1. having every necessary part or element; entire
2. ended; finished
3. (prenominal) thorough; absolute: he is a complete rogue.
4. perfect in quality or kind: he is a complete scholar.
5. (Logic) (of a logical system) constituted such that a contradiction arises on the addition of any proposition that cannot be deduced from the axioms of the system. Compare consistent5
6. (Botany) (of flowers) having sepals, petals, stamens, and carpels
7. archaic expert or skilled; accomplished
vb
8. (tr) to make whole or perfect
9. (tr) to end; finish
10. (Law) (intr) (in land law) to pay any outstanding balance on a contract for the conveyance of land in exchange for the title deeds, so that the ownership of the land changes hands
11. (American Football) American football (tr) (of a quarterback) to make (a forward pass) successfully
[C14: from Latin complētus, past participle of complēre to fill up; see complement]
comˈpletely adv
comˈpleteness n
comˈpleter n
comˈpletion n
comˈpletive adj
Collins English Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged, 12th Edition 2014 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2014
com•plete
(kəmˈplit)
adj., v. -plet•ed, -plet•ing. adj.
1. having all parts or elements; lacking nothing; whole; entire; full: a complete set of golf clubs.
2. finished; ended; concluded: a complete orbit.
3. having all the required or customary characteristics, skills, or the like; consummate: a complete scholar.
4. thorough; total; undivided, uncompromised, or unqualified: a complete victory; a complete stranger.
5. (of a subject or predicate) having all modifying or complementary elements included: The complete subject of The dappled pony gazed over the fence is the dappled pony. Compare simple (def. 18a).
6. (of a forward pass in football) caught by a receiver.
7. accomplished; skilled; expert.
v.t.
8. to make whole, entire, or perfect: Hiking boots complete the outdoor look.
9. to bring to an end; finish: to complete a task.
10. to consummate; fulfill.
11. to execute (a forward pass) successfully.
[1325–75; Middle English (< Middle French) < Latin complētus, past participle of complēre to fill up, fulfill =com- com- + plēre to fill]
com•plet′a•ble, adj.
com•plet′ed•ness, n.
com•plete′ly, adv.
com•plete′ness, n.
com•plet′er, n.
com•ple′tive, adj.
com•ple′tive•ly, adv.
syn: complete, entire, intact suggest that there is no lack or defect, nor has any part been removed. complete implies that a unit has all its parts, fully developed or perfected; it may also mean that a process or purpose has been carried to fulfillment: a complete explanation; a complete assignment. entire describes something having all its elements in an unbroken unity: an entire book. intact implies that something has remained in its original condition, complete and unimpaired: a package delivered intact.
usage: Occasionally there are objections to modifying complete with qualifiers like almost, more, most, nearly, and quite, because they suggest that complete is relative rather than absolute: the most complete list available. However, such uses are fully standard and occur regularly in all varieties of spoken and written English. See also perfect, unique.
Random House Kernerman Webster’s College Dictionary, © 2010 K Dictionaries Ltd. Copyright 2005, 1997, 1991 by Random House, Inc. All rights reserved.
complete
Complete is usually an adjective. For some of its meanings, you can use words like more and very in front of it.
1. used to mean ‘as great as possible’
You usually use complete to say that something is as great in degree, extent, or amount as possible.
You need a complete change of diet.
They were in complete agreement.
When complete has this meaning, you do not use words like more or very in front of it.
2. used to talk about contents
Complete is also used to say that something contains all the parts that it should contain.
I have a complete medical kit.
…a complete set of all her novels.
When two things do not contain all the parts that they should contain but one thing has more parts than the other, you can say that the first thing is more complete than the second one.
For a more complete picture of David’s progress we must depend on his own assessment.
Similarly, if something does not contain all the parts that it should contain but contains more parts than anything else of its kind, you can say that it is the most complete thing of its kind.
…the most complete skeleton so far unearthed from that period.
3. used to mean ‘thorough’
Complete is sometimes used to mean thorough. When complete has this meaning, you can use words like very and more in front of it.
She followed her mother’s very complete instructions on how to organize a funeral.
You ought to have a more complete check-up if you are really thinking of going abroad.
4. used to mean ‘finished’
Complete is also used to say that something such as a task or new building has been finished.
It’ll be two years before the process is complete.
…blocks of luxury flats, complete but half-empty.
When complete has this meaning, you do not use words like ‘more’ or ‘very’ in front of it.
Collins COBUILD English Usage © HarperCollins Publishers 1992, 2004, 2011, 2012
complete
Past participle: completed
Gerund: completing
Imperative |
---|
complete |
complete |
Present |
---|
I complete |
you complete |
he/she/it completes |
we complete |
you complete |
they complete |
Preterite |
---|
I completed |
you completed |
he/she/it completed |
we completed |
you completed |
they completed |
Present Continuous |
---|
I am completing |
you are completing |
he/she/it is completing |
we are completing |
you are completing |
they are completing |
Present Perfect |
---|
I have completed |
you have completed |
he/she/it has completed |
we have completed |
you have completed |
they have completed |
Past Continuous |
---|
I was completing |
you were completing |
he/she/it was completing |
we were completing |
you were completing |
they were completing |
Past Perfect |
---|
I had completed |
you had completed |
he/she/it had completed |
we had completed |
you had completed |
they had completed |
Future |
---|
I will complete |
you will complete |
he/she/it will complete |
we will complete |
you will complete |
they will complete |
Future Perfect |
---|
I will have completed |
you will have completed |
he/she/it will have completed |
we will have completed |
you will have completed |
they will have completed |
Future Continuous |
---|
I will be completing |
you will be completing |
he/she/it will be completing |
we will be completing |
you will be completing |
they will be completing |
Present Perfect Continuous |
---|
I have been completing |
you have been completing |
he/she/it has been completing |
we have been completing |
you have been completing |
they have been completing |
Future Perfect Continuous |
---|
I will have been completing |
you will have been completing |
he/she/it will have been completing |
we will have been completing |
you will have been completing |
they will have been completing |
Past Perfect Continuous |
---|
I had been completing |
you had been completing |
he/she/it had been completing |
we had been completing |
you had been completing |
they had been completing |
Conditional |
---|
I would complete |
you would complete |
he/she/it would complete |
we would complete |
you would complete |
they would complete |
Past Conditional |
---|
I would have completed |
you would have completed |
he/she/it would have completed |
we would have completed |
you would have completed |
they would have completed |
Collins English Verb Tables © HarperCollins Publishers 2011
ThesaurusAntonymsRelated WordsSynonymsLegend:
Verb | 1. | complete — come or bring to a finish or an end; «He finished the dishes»; «She completed the requirements for her Master’s Degree»; «The fastest runner finished the race in just over 2 hours; others finished in over 4 hours»
finish close — finish a game in baseball by protecting a lead; «The relief pitcher closed with two runs in the second inning» terminate, end — bring to an end or halt; «She ended their friendship when she found out that he had once been convicted of a crime»; «The attack on Poland terminated the relatively peaceful period after WW I» top off, top — finish up or conclude; «They topped off their dinner with a cognac»; «top the evening with champagne» finish off, finish up, get through, polish off, wrap up, clear up, mop up — finish a task completely; «I finally got through this homework assignment» see through — remain with until completion; «I must see the job through» finish out, round out — fill out; «These studies round out the results of many years of research» follow out, follow up, put through, carry out, follow through, implement, go through — pursue to a conclusion or bring to a successful issue; «Did he go through with the treatment?»; «He implemented a new economic plan»; «She followed up his recommendations with a written proposal» accomplish, carry out, carry through, fulfil, fulfill, action, execute — put in effect; «carry out a task»; «execute the decision of the people»; «He actioned the operation» |
2. | complete — bring to a whole, with all the necessary parts or elements; «A child would complete the family»
fill, fill up, make full — make full, also in a metaphorical sense; «fill a container»; «fill the child with pride» |
|
3. | complete — complete or carry out; «discharge one’s duties»
discharge, dispatch accomplish, carry out, carry through, fulfil, fulfill, action, execute — put in effect; «carry out a task»; «execute the decision of the people»; «He actioned the operation» |
|
4. | complete — complete a pass
nail football, football game — any of various games played with a ball (round or oval) in which two teams try to kick or carry or propel the ball into each other’s goal play — participate in games or sport; «We played hockey all afternoon»; «play cards»; «Pele played for the Brazilian teams in many important matches» |
|
5. | complete — write all the required information onto a form; «fill out this questionnaire, please!»; «make out a form»
fill out, fill in, make out |
|
Adj. | 1. | complete — having every necessary or normal part or component or step; «a complete meal»; «a complete wardrobe»; «a complete set of the Britannica»; «a complete set of china»; «a complete defeat»; «a complete accounting»
whole — including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete; «gave his whole attention»; «a whole wardrobe for the tropics»; «the whole hog»; «a whole week»; «the baby cried the whole trip home»; «a whole loaf of bread» comprehensive — including all or everything; «comprehensive coverage»; «a comprehensive history of the revolution»; «a comprehensive survey»; «a comprehensive education» incomplete, uncomplete — not complete or total; not completed; «an incomplete account of his life»; «political consequences of incomplete military success»; «an incomplete forward pass» |
2. | complete — perfect and complete in every respect; having all necessary qualities; «a complete gentleman»; «consummate happiness»; «a consummate performance»
consummate perfect — being complete of its kind and without defect or blemish; «a perfect circle»; «a perfect reproduction»; «perfect happiness»; «perfect manners»; «a perfect specimen»; «a perfect day» |
|
3. | complete — highly skilled; «an accomplished pianist»; «a complete musician»
accomplished skilled — having or showing or requiring special skill; «only the most skilled gymnasts make an Olympic team»; «a skilled surgeon has many years of training and experience»; «a skilled reconstruction of her damaged elbow»; «a skilled trade» |
|
4. | complete — without qualification; used informally as (often pejorative) intensifiers; «an arrant fool»; «a complete coward»; «a consummate fool»; «a double-dyed villain»; «gross negligence»; «a perfect idiot»; «pure folly»; «what a sodding mess»; «stark staring mad»; «a thoroughgoing villain»; «utter nonsense»; «the unadulterated truth»
arrant, double-dyed, sodding, utter, thoroughgoing, unadulterated, staring, perfect, pure, everlasting, consummate, stark, gross unmitigated — not diminished or moderated in intensity or severity; sometimes used as an intensifier; «unmitigated suffering»; «an unmitigated horror»; «an unmitigated lie» |
|
5. | complete — having come or been brought to a conclusion; «the harvesting was complete»; «the affair is over, ended, finished»; «the abruptly terminated interview»
all over, concluded, ended, over, terminated finished — ended or brought to an end; «are you finished?»; «gave me the finished manuscript» |
Based on WordNet 3.0, Farlex clipart collection. © 2003-2012 Princeton University, Farlex Inc.
complete
adjective
1. total, perfect, absolute, utter, outright, thorough, consummate, out-and-out, unmitigated, dyed-in-the-wool, thoroughgoing, deep-dyed (usually derogatory) He made me look like a complete idiot.
3. entire, full, whole, intact, unbroken, faultless, undivided, unimpaired Scientists have found the oldest complete skeleton of an ape-like man.
entire spoilt, incomplete, deficient, imperfect
5. finished, done, ended, completed, achieved, concluded, fulfilled, accomplished The work of restoring the farmhouse is complete.
finished unsettled, unfinished, inconclusive, unaccomplished
verb perfect mar, spoil
1. finish, conclude, fulfil, accomplish, do, end, close, achieve, perform, settle, realize, execute, discharge, wrap up (informal), terminate, finalize He had just completed his first novel.
finish start, begin, initiate, commence
Collins Thesaurus of the English Language – Complete and Unabridged 2nd Edition. 2002 © HarperCollins Publishers 1995, 2002
complete
adjective
1. Lacking nothing essential or normal:
2. Including every constituent or individual:
3. Not shortened by omissions:
5. Having reached completion:
6. Covering all aspects with painstaking accuracy:
7. Completely such, without qualification or exception:
absolute, all-out, arrant, consummate, crashing, damned, dead, downright, flat, out-and-out, outright, perfect, plain, pure, sheer, thorough, thoroughgoing, total, unbounded, unequivocal, unlimited, unmitigated, unqualified, unrelieved, unreserved, utter.
verb
1. To bring or come to a natural or proper end:
2. To supply what is lacking:
The American Heritage® Roget’s Thesaurus. Copyright © 2013, 2014 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
Translations
أكملانتهىتامتام، كامِلشامِل
dokončitnaprostýúplnýzkompletovatcelkový
færdigfuldendefuldførefuldstændiggrundig
täysi
potpun
algjörbúinn, kláraîurheill, fullkominnljúka, klára
全くの完了する完成する
완전한
baigimaspilnumasužbaigimasužbaigtumas
pilnīgotpilnīgspilns
complet
ozajstnýskompletizovať
celotencelovitdokončankončatipopoln
fullständigkomplett
สมบูรณ์
đầy đủ
Collins Spanish Dictionary — Complete and Unabridged 8th Edition 2005 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1971, 1988 © HarperCollins Publishers 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, 2000, 2003, 2005
complete
[kəmˈpliːt]
adj [change, surprise, disaster, failure] → complet/ète; [lack] → total(e)
It’s a complete disaster → C’est un désastre complet.
a complete waste of time → une perte de temps totale
complete with → avec
to come complete with … → être pourvu(e) de …
vt
(= conclude, seal) [+ sale, deal] → conclure
(= fill in) [+ form] → remplir
Collins English/French Electronic Resource. © HarperCollins Publishers 2005
complete
adj
attr (= total, absolute) → völlig; failure, beginner, disaster, flop also, victory → total; surprise, shambles also → komplett; satisfaction also, approval → voll; we were complete strangers → wir waren uns or einander völlig fremd; we were in complete agreement → wir stimmten völlig überein
sportsman, gardener etc → perfekt
Collins German Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged 7th Edition 2005. © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1980 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1997, 1999, 2004, 2005, 2007
complete
[kəmˈpliːt]
1. adj (whole) → completo/a; (finished) → completo/a, finito/a
complete with → completo/a di
it’s a complete disaster → è un vero disastro
Collins Italian Dictionary 1st Edition © HarperCollins Publishers 1995
complete
(kəmˈpliːt) adjective
1. whole; with nothing missing. a complete set of Shakespeare’s plays.
2. thorough. My car needs a complete overhaul; a complete surprise.
3. finished. My picture will soon be complete.
verb
to finish; to make complete. When will he complete the job?; This stamp completes my collection.
comˈpletely adverb
I am not completely satisfied.
comˈpleteness nouncomˈpletion (-ʃən) noun
finishing or state of being finished. You will be paid on completion of the work.
Kernerman English Multilingual Dictionary © 2006-2013 K Dictionaries Ltd.
complete
→ كَامِل naprostý hel vollständig πλήρης completo täysi complet potpun completo 全くの 완전한 compleet fullstendig kompletny completo полный fullständig สมบูรณ์ tam đầy đủ 完全的
Multilingual Translator © HarperCollins Publishers 2009
English-Spanish/Spanish-English Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2006 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.
- Top Definitions
- Synonyms
- Quiz
- Related Content
- When To Use
- Examples
- British
This shows grade level based on the word’s complexity.
[ kuhm-pleet ]
/ kəmˈplit /
This shows grade level based on the word’s complexity.
adjective
having all parts or elements; lacking nothing; whole; entire; full: a complete set of Mark Twain’s writings.
having all the required or customary characteristics, skills, or the like; consummate; perfect in kind or quality: a complete scholar.
thorough; entire; total; undivided, uncompromised, or unmodified: a complete victory;a complete mess.
Grammar. having all modifying or complementary elements included: The complete subject of “The dappled pony gazed over the fence” is “The dappled pony.”Compare simple (def. 20).
Also completed. Football. (of a forward pass) caught by a receiver.
Logic. (of a set of axioms) such that every true proposition able to be formulated in terms of the basic ideas of a given system is deducible from the set.Compare incomplete (def. 4b).
Engineering. noting a determinate truss having the least number of members required to connect the panel points so as to form a system of triangles.Compare incomplete (def. 3), redundant (def. 5c).
Mathematics.
- of or relating to an algebraic system, as a field with an order relation defined on it, in which every set of elements of the system has a least upper bound.
- of or relating to a set in which every fundamental sequence converges to an element of the set.Compare fundamental sequence.
- (of a lattice) having the property that every subset has a least upper bound and a greatest lower bound.
verb (used with object), com·plet·ed, com·plet·ing.
to make whole or entire: I need three more words to complete the puzzle.
to make perfect: His parting look of impotent rage completed my revenge.
to bring to an end; finish: Has he completed his new novel yet?
Football. to execute (a forward pass) successfully: He completed 17 passes in 33 attempts.
QUIZ
CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?
There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?
Which sentence is correct?
Origin of complete
First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English, from Middle French or directly from Latin complētus (past participle of complēre “to fill up, fulfill,” equivalent to com- com- + plē- fill + -tus past participle suffix
usage note for complete
Occasionally there are objections to modifying complete with qualifiers like almost, more, most, nearly, and quite, because they suggest that complete is relative rather than absolute: an almost complete record; a more complete proposal; the most complete list available. However, such uses are fully standard and occur regularly in all varieties of spoken and written English. See also perfect, unique.
OTHER WORDS FROM complete
com·plet·a·ble, adjectivecom·plet·ed·ness, nouncom·plete·ly, adverbcom·plete·ness, noun
com·plet·er, nouncom·ple·tive, adjectivecom·ple·tive·ly, adverbhalf-com·plet·ed, adjectivepre·com·plete·ness, nounqua·si-com·plete, adjectivesub·com·plete, adjectivesub·com·plete·ness, nounun·com·plet·a·ble, adjectiveun·com·plete, adjectiveun·com·plete·ness, nounun·com·plet·ed, adjectivewell-com·plet·ed, adjective
Words nearby complete
complement clause, complemented, complement fixation, complement-fixation test, complementizer, complete, complete blood count, complete fertilizer, complete flower, complete fracture, completely
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
WHEN TO USE
What are other ways to say complete?
Something that is complete has all its parts or elements, or has been finished or concluded. How does complete compare to synonyms entire, intact, and perfect? Find out on Thesaurus.com.
Words related to complete
entire, exhaustive, full, outright, thorough, perfect, sweeping, positive, total, unconditional, accomplish, achieve, close, conclude, determine, develop, do, end, execute, finalize
How to use complete in a sentence
-
Glenn provided specific cases where more data would have helped site owners, and he provided a way for you to get involved by including a poll in the story that you can complete.
-
After it completes this demographic of 30 million people, the government will roll out the vaccine for those above 50 years, and those below 50 but with co-morbidities.
-
That run under Gibbs was a masterful exhibition of building a complete team around the position, and Washington thrived during an era in which many teams managed to lift the Lombardi Trophy without needing a Hall of Fame-bound quarterback.
-
On Tuesday, Liang and an official from China’s National Health Commission declared the China leg of the WHO probe complete and called for its scope to be expanded globally to answer the origin question.
-
When they can’t see your face as well or they can’t read your lips as well, that may be a challenge because they can’t hear you accurately to complete the cognitive testing.
-
He then provides some insight into his psyche — complete with Animal House reference.
-
Complete male reproductive independence would also hinge on artificial womb technology, which also made headlines in 2014.
-
Occasionally, a level will take 20 or more strokes to complete.
-
Still, McGee never trusts him enough to tell the complete story of what happened that day.
-
Sullivan has by then moved in to help and he seeks to complete the arrest of the first man.
-
However this be, it is hard to say that these fibs have that clear intention to deceive which constitutes a complete lie.
-
He became a doctor in two hours, and it only cost him twenty dollars to complete his education.
-
Prud’hon, in humiliation and despair, lived in a solitude almost complete.
-
He staggered along with much difficulty and managed to complete half of it by Christmas.
-
A culture which was complete one thousand years before Adam must have needed many thousands of years to develop.
British Dictionary definitions for complete
adjective
having every necessary part or element; entire
ended; finished
(prenominal) thorough; absolutehe is a complete rogue
perfect in quality or kindhe is a complete scholar
(of a logical system) constituted such that a contradiction arises on the addition of any proposition that cannot be deduced from the axioms of the systemCompare consistent (def. 5)
(of flowers) having sepals, petals, stamens, and carpels
archaic expert or skilled; accomplished
verb (tr)
to make whole or perfect
to end; finish
(in land law) to pay any outstanding balance on a contract for the conveyance of land in exchange for the title deeds, so that the ownership of the land changes hands
American football (of a quarterback) to make a forward pass successfully
Derived forms of complete
completely, adverbcompleteness, nouncompleter, nouncompletion, noun
completive, adjective
Word Origin for complete
C14: from Latin complētus, past participle of complēre to fill up; see complement
Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Table of Contents
- What is an example of a complete verb?
- What is a complete sentence?
- What is called verb?
- What are the 50 forms of verb?
- Do verbs list?
- What is the verb for do?
- What is the verb for Teach?
- What is the verb of treat?
- What is the verb 2 of Teach?
- What is the irregular verb of eat?
- What is the verb for eat?
- What is the irregular verb for take?
having all parts or elements; lacking nothing; whole; entire; full: a complete set of Mark Twain’s writings. finished; ended; concluded: a complete orbit. having all the required or customary characteristics, skills, or the like; consummate; perfect in kind or quality: a complete scholar.
What is an example of a complete verb?
A complete verb encompasses not only the main verb, but any helping verbs that are attached to it. For example: I have been working on my homework for three hours. In this sentence, the complete verb is made up of three verbs: ‘have been working. ‘ ‘Have’ and ‘been’ are both helping verbs for the main verb ‘working.
What is a complete sentence?
A complete sentence must have, at minimum, three things: a subject, verb, and an object. The subject is typically a noun or a pronoun. So, at the end of a complete sentence, we’ll need a period, question mark, exclamation mark, or even a semi-colon. …
What is called verb?
Verbs are words that show an action (sing), occurrence (develop), or state of being (exist). Almost every sentence requires a verb. The basic form of a verb is known as its infinitive. (There is also a kind of noun, called a gerund, that is identical in form to the present participle form of a verb.)
What are the 50 forms of verb?
In English there are regular verbs as well as irregular verbs….Here are Verb Forms v1 v2 v3 v4 v5 pdf.
V1 | V2 | V3 |
---|---|---|
draw | drew | drawn |
drive | drove | driven |
drink | drank | drunk |
eat | ate | eaten |
Do verbs list?
Yes/No Questions with Do, Does and Did
Auxiliary Verb ‘To Do’ | verb in base form | |
---|---|---|
Present | Past | |
Do | Did | drink |
Does | Did | eat |
Don’t | Didn’t | write |
What is the verb for do?
The past simple form, did, is the same throughout. The present participle is doing. The past participle is done. The present simple tense do and the past simple tense did can be used as an auxiliary verb….Do – Easy Learning Grammar.
I do not want it. | We do not want it. |
---|---|
He does not want it. | They do not want it. |
What is the verb for Teach?
verb. simple past tense and past participle of teach.
What is the verb of treat?
(Entry 1 of 2) transitive verb. 1a : to deal with in speech or writing : expound. b : to present or represent artistically.
What is the verb 2 of Teach?
Verb Forms of Teach
(Base) 1st | (Past) 2nd | (Past Participle) 3rd |
---|---|---|
Teach | Taught | Taught |
Get list of more Verb Forms. |
What is the irregular verb of eat?
Irregular Verbs List
V1 Base Form | V2 Past Simple | V3 Past Participle |
---|---|---|
eat | ate | eaten |
fall | fell | fallen |
feel | felt | felt |
fight | fought | fought |
What is the verb for eat?
Verbs
The Verb (infinitive form) | The Meaning |
---|---|
To dine | To eat dinner. Especially related to eating out. |
To eat | The complete action of putting food in the mouth and then biting, chewing and swallowing it. |
To feast | To eat a lot or to enjoy eating something. (Often something out of the ordinary.) |
What is the irregular verb for take?
Conjugation of ‘Take’
Base Form (Infinitive): | Take |
---|---|
Past Simple: | Took |
Past Participle: | Taken |
3rd Person Singular: | Takes |
Present Participle/Gerund: | Taking |