Exploring the nuance between "thorough" and "complete"

Reviewed and edited by

Lloyd Cooper 30/10/2024, 03:58

English.me team member

Thorough and complete. What's the difference?

What is similar?

Both "thorough" and "complete" describe a sense of wholeness or fully addressing something. They can be used to indicate that nothing has been missed or left out.

What is different?

"Thorough" often implies great attention to detail or meticulousness, ensuring that every aspect has been carefully considered. "Complete", on the other hand, signifies that something is whole or finished, meaning nothing is missing or lacking in terms of its fundamental components.

Which one is more common?

Examples of usage

Thorough

She conducted a thorough investigation of the case.
His report was extremely thorough and left no questions unanswered.
The thorough cleaning of the house took all day.

Complete

The project is complete and ready for submission.
Once you receive your diploma, your education will be complete.
The complete series of the books is now available for purchase.