complete
Definitions
Having all the necessary parts; whole, with nothing missing
完整的，齐全的，缺一不可的
Total; used to emphasize the full degree of something
完全的，彻底的（强调程度）
To finish making or doing something; to bring to an end
完成，结束
To make something whole by adding what is missing
使完整，补足
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedcom- (here intensifying, 'fully') + plet (a variant of ple, 'fill') = 'filled up completely.' When a container is filled to the top, nothing more can go in — there is no gap left. That image gives both senses: as an adjective, complete means every part is in place (a complete set); as a verb, to complete is to fill the last gap so the job is done.
Root ple still carries 42 more wordsCommon Collocations
- 1.complete set全套
- 2.complete failure彻底失败
- 3.complete a task完成任务
- 4.complete with配备有，附带
Example Sentences
- 1.
We finally have a complete set of the encyclopedia.
- 2.
The trip was a complete disaster from start to finish.
- 3.
It took her three years to complete her degree.
- 4.
A few photos would complete the report nicely.
Easily Confused
complete vs finish — both mean 'bring to an end,' but complete stresses making something whole/all parts done (complete the form = fill every field), while finish just stresses reaching the end (finish your dinner). You complete a form but finish a meal — finish rarely carries the 'nothing missing' sense.
Synonym Comparison
- complete — whole, with every part present
- entire — emphasizes nothing has been removed or divided
- whole — undivided, treated as a single unit
- total — the full amount, often with numbers
- full — filled to capacity, no empty space left