Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Complete, absolute, total: Used to emphasize the extreme or absolute nature of something.
   • Unqualified, sheer: Used informally, often as an intensifier, sometimes with a negative connotation.

2. Verb:

   • To say or speak something aloud: To express or articulate sounds, words, or a cry.
   • To emit a sound: To produce an audible sound, not necessarily words.
   • To put into circulation: To issue or circulate something, especially counterfeit money.

Examples of Usage

• Adjective:

  • The room was in utter darkness. (The room was in complete darkness.)
  • His statement was utter nonsense. (His statement was complete nonsense.)
  • She felt utter despair. (She felt absolute despair.)

• Verb:

  • He did not utter a single word during the meeting. (He did not speak a single word during the meeting.)
  • She uttered a cry of pain. (She let out a cry of pain.)
  • The forger was arrested for uttering counterfeit bills. (The forger was arrested for putting counterfeit bills into circulation.)

Advanced Usage

• "To utter a word": To say anything at all.
  • He was so shocked he couldn't utter a word.
• "Utter ruin/chaos/devastation": Emphasizes a state of complete destruction or disorder.
  • The earthquake left the city in utter ruin.

Variants and Related Words

• Utterly (adverb): Completely, absolutely.
  • I was utterly exhausted after the long journey.
• Utterance (noun): Something that is said; the act of speaking.
  • His every utterance was recorded by the press.

Synonyms

• Adjective: Absolute, complete, total, sheer, pure, unadulterated, thoroughgoing.
• Verb: Say, speak, voice, express, articulate, emit, pronounce.

Related Phrases

• Not utter a word: To remain completely silent.
  • Promise me you will not utter a word about this to anyone.
• Utter a sigh/groan: To produce a sighing or groaning sound.
  • He uttered a deep sigh of relief.

Idioms

• Utter darkness: Complete absence of light.
  • The power outage plunged the building into utter darkness.
• Utter contempt: Complete lack of respect.
  • She looked at him with utter contempt.

Adjective

1. complete
   • came to a dead stop
   • utter seriousness
2. without qualification; used informally as (often pejorative) intensifiers
   • an arrant fool
   • a complete coward
   • a consummate fool
   • a double-dyed villain
   • gross negligence
   • a perfect idiot
   • pure folly
   • what a sodding mess
   • stark staring mad
   • a thoroughgoing villain
   • utter nonsense
   • the unadulterated truth

Verb

1. put into circulation
   • utter counterfeit currency
2. express in speech
   • She talks a lot of nonsense
   • This depressed patient does not verbalize
3. express audibly; utter sounds (not necessarily words)
   • She let out a big heavy sigh
   • He uttered strange sounds that nobody could understand
4. articulate; either verbally or with a cry, shout, or noise
   • She expressed her anger
   • He uttered a curse