вполне vs совершенно

vpolne vs sovershenno — quite/entirely adequately vs completely/utterly

What it really means

Вполне means “quite,” “entirely sufficiently,” or “perfectly reasonably,” often confirming that a degree is adequate without claiming an absolute extreme. Совершенно means “completely” or “utterly,” and can intensify both positive and negative adjectives; with не it often means “not at all.”

Examples in natural speech

Этот ответ вполне разумен.
This answer is quite reasonable.
Я вполне могу закончить сегодня.
I can quite adequately finish today.
Комната совершенно пустая.
The room is completely empty.
Это совершенно новый подход.
This is an entirely new approach.
Он совершенно не готов к экзамену.
He is not at all ready for the exam.

Common mistakes

Do not translate вполне as “completely” in every sentence: вполне хороший often means good enough or quite good, not flawless. Совершенно не готов is categorical; вполне не готов is unnatural for that meaning.

Memory tip

Вполне meets the standard; совершенно removes every remainder.

Frequently asked questions

Can вполне modify a negative adjective?

Yes: вполне возможно and вполне закономерно are common, but the phrase usually means “entirely/quite” rather than “barely.”

Why does совершенно не mean “not at all”?

Совершенно intensifies the negation: совершенно не уверен means completely not sure, hence not at all sure.

Is вполне хороший praise?

Usually it is moderate approval—“quite good” or “perfectly adequate”—and can sound less enthusiastic than очень хороший.

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