exhaustively
exhaustively — adverb
1. carried out or examined with such depth that every part, detail, or possibility
carried out or examined with such depth that every part, detail, or possibility is covered and nothing is left out
Yuki exhaustively researched the history of the village before writing her novel.
collocation: exhaustively researched
Diego's team exhaustively tested the new engine design over six months.
pattern: exhaustively + past participle (tested)
Anika exhaustively documented the changes in water quality along the river.
Zola exhaustively catalogued every plant species found in the nature reserve.
The building was exhaustively searched by the police after the alarm went off.
- thoroughly
less formal and more common in everyday speech; 'exhaustively' suggests a more systematic, complete coverage
- comprehensively
very similar, but 'comprehensively' emphasises broad scope while 'exhaustively' emphasises depth and completeness
- in depth
an adverbial phrase rather than a single word; less formal and more common in journalism
- superficially
opposite in degree — a superficial check looks only at the surface
- partially
opposite in scope — a partial review covers only some parts
用法筆記
Frequently modifies verbs of investigation or documentation, such as 'research', 'test', 'search', 'document', 'review', and 'catalogue'. The passive form ('was exhaustively searched/reviewed/tested') is common in formal writing.
exhaustively — adjective
- exhaustivelypositive
- more exhaustivelycomparative
- most exhaustivelysuperlative
1. covering every possible item, case, or detail so that nothing relevant is omitte
covering every possible item, case, or detail so that nothing relevant is omitted
Professor Wei compiled an exhaustive list of references for the research paper.
collocation: exhaustive list
After an exhaustive search, the rescue team found the hikers safe on the mountain.
collocation: exhaustive search
Sophie's exhaustive study examined every factor that affects student performance.
Kwame published an exhaustive guide to hiking trails across the whole island.
An exhaustive review of the data revealed no evidence of the side effect.
- comprehensive
very similar, but 'comprehensive' can allow for minor omissions; 'exhaustive' strongly implies that nothing is missing
- thorough
less formal; 'thorough' focuses on care and attention to detail rather than absolute completeness
- complete
broader in meaning — 'complete' simply means nothing is missing, while 'exhaustive' suggests an intentional effort to include everything
- incomplete
opposite in outcome — an incomplete list has gaps; an exhaustive list does not
- selective
opposite in approach — selective means only some items are chosen; exhaustive means all are included
- partial
opposite in scope — a partial review covers only a portion
用法筆記
Typically appears before nouns for written works, searches, or investigations — such as 'list', 'search', 'study', 'review', 'analysis', 'catalogue', 'guide', and 'report'. Unlike 'complete', 'exhaustive' implies that nothing of relevance has been left out, making it stronger.