del tutto
Lemma: del tutto
Translation: completely; entirely; totally; altogether; fully; wholly (adverbial phrase)
Etymology: This adverbial phrase combines the preposition 'di' (of) with the definite article 'il' (the), which contract to form 'del', plus 'tutto' (all, everything). Literally meaning 'of the all/everything', it evolved to express completeness or totality. 'Tutto' derives from Latin 'totus' (all, entire), which is related to English words like 'total' and 'totality'.
Example Usage
Mnemonics
- Think of 'del tutto' as 'of the whole' to remember it means 'completely'
- Associate 'tutto' with 'total' in English to remember it means 'totally'
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
This is a very common intensifier in Italian, used in both spoken and written language. It's slightly more emphatic than simply using 'molto' (very) and conveys absolute completeness.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'del tutto' means 'completely/entirely', 'in tutto' means 'in total/altogether' when counting or summing things up.
Confused word:
Abbiamo speso 50 euro in tutto.
We spent 50 euros in total.
Notes: 'Del tutto' is an intensifier of quality or state, while 'in tutto' is used for summing up quantities.
Mnemonic: 'Del tutto' refers to completeness of quality or state; 'in tutto' refers to completeness in quantity or counting.
Explanation: 'Del tutto' is an adverbial phrase meaning 'completely', while 'tutto' alone is an adjective or pronoun meaning 'all' or 'everything'.
Confused word:
Ho mangiato tutto il cibo.
I ate all the food.
Notes: 'Del tutto' modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, while 'tutto' modifies or replaces nouns.
Mnemonic: When you see 'del' before 'tutto', think of it as modifying an action or quality (adverb), not a noun.