Fulness vs Fullness: When To Use Each One? What To Consider

When it comes to the English language, there are often words that are spelled similarly but have different meanings. Two such words are fulness and fullness. While they may seem interchangeable, there is a proper usage for each of them.

Fulness and fullness are both correct spellings, but they have different meanings. Fulness is an older spelling of the word fullness, which means the state of being full or complete. Fullness is the more commonly used spelling in modern English, but fulness is still used in some contexts, particularly in religious texts.

In this article, we will explore the differences between fulness and fullness and provide examples of how they are used in context. By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of when to use each word and why it matters.

Define Fulness

Fulness is a term that is used to describe a state of being completely filled or having no empty space. It is often associated with a feeling of satisfaction or completeness. In some contexts, it can also refer to a state of abundance or excess.

For example, in religious contexts, the term fulness is often used to describe a spiritual state of being where an individual has received all the blessings and knowledge that they need to progress in their faith. In this context, fulness is seen as a state of perfection and completeness.

In other contexts, such as in the culinary arts, fulness can refer to a dish that is rich and satisfying, with no empty spaces or gaps in the flavors or textures.

Define Fullness

Fullness, on the other hand, is a term that is used to describe a state of being filled to capacity or beyond. It can refer to a physical state, such as a stomach that is full after a meal, or an emotional state, such as feeling overwhelmed with emotions.

In some contexts, fullness can also refer to a state of completeness or satisfaction, similar to the concept of fulness. However, fullness is often associated with a sense of excess or overabundance, rather than a state of perfection.

For example, in fashion, fullness can refer to a garment that has been designed with extra fabric to create a voluminous or exaggerated shape. In this context, fullness is seen as a desirable quality that adds interest and drama to a piece of clothing.

Comparison Table

Term	Definition	Associated Qualities
Fulness	A state of being completely filled or having no empty space. Can refer to a state of abundance or excess.	Satisfaction, completeness, richness
Fullness	A state of being filled to capacity or beyond. Can refer to a state of completeness or satisfaction, but is often associated with a sense of excess or overabundance.	Overwhelming, voluminous, exaggerated

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

When it comes to writing, using the correct words can make all the difference in the clarity and effectiveness of your message. This is particularly true when it comes to words that are similar in spelling and meaning, such as “fulness” and “fullness.” In this section, we’ll explore how to properly use each of these words in a sentence.

How To Use “Fulness” In A Sentence

“Fulness” is a somewhat archaic term that is rarely used in modern English. It is typically used to refer to a state of being full or complete, and is often used in a religious or spiritual context. Here are a few examples of how to use “fulness” in a sentence:

• “The fulness of God’s grace is beyond measure.”
• “The book provided a fulness of information on the subject.”
• “The choir sang with a fulness of sound that filled the church.”

It’s worth noting that “fulness” is often spelled with a single “l” in American English, while it is spelled with two “l’s” in British English.

How To Use “Fullness” In A Sentence

“Fullness,” on the other hand, is a much more commonly used term in modern English. It is used to refer to the state of being full or complete, as well as to describe something that is abundant or plentiful. Here are a few examples of how to use “fullness” in a sentence:

• “The fullness of her joy was evident in her smile.”
• “The vase was filled to the fullness with fresh flowers.”
• “The chef’s dishes were known for their fullness of flavor.”

It’s important to note that “fullness” is the correct spelling of this word in both American and British English.

Overall, using “fulness” and “fullness” correctly in your writing can help you to convey your message more effectively and accurately. By keeping these tips in mind, you can ensure that you are using these words correctly and appropriately in your sentences.

More Examples Of Fulness & Fullness Used In Sentences

In order to better understand the difference between fulness and fullness, it can be helpful to examine examples of how each word is used in a sentence. Here are some examples:

Examples Of Using Fulness In A Sentence

• The fulness of the moon illuminated the night sky.
• She approached the task with the fulness of her abilities.
• He achieved a sense of fulness in his life through meditation and self-reflection.
• The book provided a fulness of information on the subject.
• The orchestra played with a fulness of sound that filled the concert hall.
• She experienced a fulness of emotion as she watched her child graduate.
• The artist captured the fulness of the landscape in his painting.
• His words conveyed a fulness of meaning that resonated with the audience.
• The restaurant offered a fulness of flavors in its diverse menu.
• She felt a sense of fulness in her heart as she watched the sunset with her loved ones.

Examples Of Using Fullness In A Sentence

• The fullness of the vase made it difficult to move.
• He ate until he reached the fullness of his stomach.
• The dress had a fullness to its skirt that made it elegant.
• The wine had a fullness of flavor that lingered on the palate.
• She appreciated the fullness of the experience, from start to finish.
• The tree’s branches reached fullness in the springtime.
• He admired the fullness of her hair, which cascaded down her back.
• The painting captured the fullness of the landscape’s colors.
• She felt the fullness of his love in every gesture and word.
• The author’s writing had a fullness of detail that brought the story to life.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using the words “fulness” and “fullness,” many people tend to use them interchangeably. However, this can lead to confusion and incorrect usage. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

1. Using “Fulness” When You Mean “Fullness”

One common mistake is using “fulness” when you actually mean “fullness.” “Fulness” is not a word in standard English and should not be used in its place. “Fullness” refers to the state of being full or complete, while “fulness” is a non-standard variation of the word that has fallen out of use.

2. Using “Fullness” When You Mean “Fulness”

On the other hand, some people use “fullness” when they actually mean “fulness.” While “fullness” is a word in standard English, it has a different meaning than “fulness.” “Fullness” refers to the state of being filled to capacity, while “fulness” refers to the state of being complete or having everything that is needed.

3. Confusing The Two Words In Context

Another mistake is using “fulness” and “fullness” interchangeably in the same context. This can lead to confusion and make it difficult for readers to understand what you are trying to say. It is important to use the correct word in each context to avoid confusion.

To avoid making these mistakes in the future, it is important to understand the difference between “fulness” and “fullness” and use them correctly in context. You can also consult a dictionary or thesaurus to ensure you are using the correct word.

Context Matters

When it comes to choosing between “fulness” and “fullness,” context is key. Both words are correct spellings of the same concept, but their usage can depend on the context in which they are being used.

Examples Of Different Contexts

Let’s take a look at some examples of different contexts and how the choice between “fulness” and “fullness” might change:

1. Religious Context

In religious contexts, “fulness” is often used to refer to spiritual completeness or the state of being filled with the Holy Spirit. For example, in the Bible, Colossians 2:9-10 states, “For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power.” In this context, “fulness” is the preferred spelling.

2. Scientific Context

In scientific contexts, “fullness” is typically used to describe the state of being completely filled or the degree to which something is filled. For example, in chemistry, the term “molar fullness” is used to describe the concentration of a solution. In this context, “fullness” is the preferred spelling.

3. Literary Context

In literary contexts, both “fulness” and “fullness” can be used depending on the writer’s preference and the style of writing. For example, in poetry, “fulness” may be used to create a certain rhythm or sound, while in prose, “fullness” may be preferred for clarity and simplicity.

4. Cultural Context

In some cultures, the choice between “fulness” and “fullness” can depend on regional or historical differences. For example, in British English, “fulness” is often used more frequently than “fullness,” while in American English, “fullness” is more commonly used.

Overall, the choice between “fulness” and “fullness” can depend on the context in which they are being used. It’s important to consider the intended meaning and the audience when choosing which spelling to use.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the rules for using “fulness” and “fullness” are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions to consider. In certain cases, one spelling may be preferred over the other due to context or regional differences.

1. British Vs American English

In British English, “fulness” is the preferred spelling, while in American English, “fullness” is more commonly used. This can be seen in words such as “usefulness” (British) and “uselessness” (American).

2. Compound Words

When “fullness” is part of a compound word, it is usually preferred over “fulness.” For example:

• Helpfulness
• Thankfulness
• Watchfulness

However, there are some exceptions to this rule, such as “mindfulness” and “fruitfulness,” which use the “fulness” spelling.

3. Historical Usage

In some cases, the historical usage of a word may determine which spelling is used. For example, “awfulness” has been used since the 14th century, while “awefulness” has never been a recognized spelling.

Similarly, “carefulness” has been used since the 15th century, while “carefulness” has only been in use since the 19th century and is considered a less common variant.

4. Personal Preference

Finally, it’s worth noting that personal preference can also play a role in which spelling is used. While there are general rules to follow, there may be cases where one spelling simply sounds better or feels more appropriate in a given context.

Ultimately, the key is to be consistent in your usage and to follow the rules as closely as possible.

Practice Exercises

Now that we have a better understanding of the differences between fulness and fullness, it’s time to put that knowledge into practice. Below are some practice exercises that will help you improve your understanding and use of these words in sentences.

Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank

Fill in the blank with either fulness or fullness:

1. The __________ of the ocean was overwhelming.
2. She ate the entire pizza, feeling a sense of __________.
3. The __________ of his speech captivated the audience.
4. He couldn’t believe the __________ of her love for him.

Answer Key:

1. The fullness of the ocean was overwhelming.
2. She ate the entire pizza, feeling a sense of fulness.
3. The fulness of his speech captivated the audience.
4. He couldn’t believe the fullness of her love for him.

Exercise 2: Sentence Completion

Complete the following sentences with the correct form of fulness or fullness:

1. After a long day at work, she felt a sense of __________.
2. The __________ of the book made it difficult to put down.
3. He was overcome with a feeling of __________ when he saw his newborn daughter.
4. The __________ of the painting was breathtaking.

Answer Key:

1. After a long day at work, she felt a sense of fulness.
2. The fullness of the book made it difficult to put down.
3. He was overcome with a feeling of fullness when he saw his newborn daughter.
4. The fulness of the painting was breathtaking.

By practicing these exercises, you can improve your understanding and use of fulness and fullness in your writing and communication. Remember to pay attention to the context in which these words are used, and choose the appropriate form based on the meaning you intend to convey.

Conclusion

After exploring the differences between fulness and fullness, it is clear that these words have distinct meanings and uses. While fulness is primarily used in religious contexts to refer to spiritual abundance, fullness is a more general term that can refer to physical, emotional, or intellectual completeness.

It is important for writers to be aware of these differences and to use the correct word in the appropriate context. This not only ensures clear communication but also demonstrates a mastery of language use.

Key Takeaways

• Fulness and fullness are two words that are often confused
• Fulness is primarily used in religious contexts to refer to spiritual abundance
• Fullness is a more general term that can refer to physical, emotional, or intellectual completeness
• Using the correct word in the appropriate context is important for clear communication and language mastery

As with any aspect of language and grammar, there is always more to learn. Encouraging readers to continue exploring the nuances of language use can not only improve their writing but also deepen their appreciation for the complexity and beauty of the English language.