悉く

• Reading: ことごとく
• Romaji: kotogotoku
• Kanji breakdown: 悉 (shitsu/kotogoto) — all, entirely, completely
• Pronunciation: /ko.to.ɡo.to.kɯ/

Meaning

Altogether; entirely; without exception. Emphasises that every single instance follows the same pattern.

A literary adverb meaning 'every single one, without exception.' Stronger than 全部 (all) or すべて (everything) — it emphasises the completeness and totality of something, often with a dramatic or emphatic tone. Frequently used in negative or unfortunate contexts (plans failing, attempts being rejected) but can also appear in positive ones. Common in written language, speeches, and formal narration.

Examples

1. 彼の提案は悉く却下された。 Every one of his proposals was rejected.
2. 予定が悉く狂ってしまった。 Every single plan fell apart.
3. 挑戦者たちは悉く敗れ去った。 The challengers were all defeated without exception.

Usage Guide

Context: literature, formal speech, news

Tone: emphatic

Origin & History

From Old Japanese ことごとく, written with the kanji 悉 (shitsu, all/entirely). 悉 depicts a heart (心) beneath a hand reaching down, suggesting thorough, complete investigation — leaving nothing out.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: Adults

Social background: Educated