entire

¹en·tire

adjective \in-ˈtī(-ə)r, ˈen-ˌ\

Definition of ENTIRE

1

: having no element or part left out : whole <was alone the entire day>

2

: complete in degree : total <their entire devotion to their family>

3

a : consisting of one piece

b : homogeneous, unmixed

c : intact <strove to keep the collection entire>

4

: not castrated

5

: having the margin continuous or free from indentations <an entire leaf>

— entire adverb

— en·tire·ness noun

Examples of ENTIRE

1. The war affected an entire generation of young Americans.
2. The fence runs along the entire length of the building.
3. She has dedicated her entire life to helping others.

Origin of ENTIRE

Middle English enter, entier, entire, from Anglo-French enter, entier, from Latin integer, literally, untouched, from in- + tangere to touch — more at tangent

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to ENTIRE

Synonyms

all, concentrated, whole, exclusive, focused (also focussed), undivided

Antonyms

diffuse, divided, scattered

Related Words

absolute, complete, full, lump, teetotal, thorough, total, unadulterated, unalloyed, unqualified, utter; comprehensive, intact, integral, perfect, unbroken

Near Antonyms

deficient, fragmental, fragmentary, halfway, incomplete, partial

See Synonym Discussion at whole, perfect

Rhymes with ENTIRE

attire, backfire, bemire, catch fire, cross fire, denier, desire, for hire, fox fire, Greek fire, grey friar, hang fire, hellfire, live wire, on fire, prior, rimfire, sapphire, sea fire, snow tire, town crier, trip wire, umpire, watch fire, white friar

²entire

noun

Definition of ENTIRE

1

archaic : the whole : entirety

2

: stallion

First Known Use of ENTIRE

1597