utterly
/' t li/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adverb:
- Completely and without qualification; to an absolute degree: "utterly" is used to emphasize that something is total, complete, or absolute, often modifying adjectives with negative or extreme connotations.
- Used informally as an intensifier: It functions to strengthen the meaning of the word it modifies, similar to "absolutely" or "completely."
Usage Examples
- Adverb:
- The news left her utterly devastated. (The news caused her to be completely devastated.)
- His explanation was utterly convincing. (His explanation was completely convincing.)
- I am utterly exhausted after the long journey. (I am completely exhausted after the long journey.)
Advanced Usage
"utterly" + adjective (often negative or extreme): The adverb is most commonly placed directly before an adjective to intensify its meaning.
- The plan was utterly foolish. (The plan was completely foolish.)
- She felt utterly alone in the crowded room. (She felt completely alone in the crowded room.)
"utterly" + verb (in passive constructions or with past participles): It can modify verbs, particularly in their past participle forms used as adjectives.
- The city was utterly destroyed by the earthquake. (The city was completely destroyed by the earthquake.)
- He was utterly defeated in the debate. (He was completely defeated in the debate.)
Variants and Related Words
- Utter (adjective): Complete; absolute.
- That is utter nonsense. (That is complete nonsense.)
- Utter (verb): To say something or to make a sound with your voice.
- He did not utter a single word. (He did not say a single word.)
Synonyms
- Absolutely: Used to emphasize that something is completely true.
- Completely: In every way or as much as possible.
- Totally: In a complete or absolute manner.
- Entirely: To the full or whole extent.
- Wholly: Completely; fully.
Antonyms
- Partially: Only in part; to a limited extent.
- Slightly: To a small degree; not considerably.
- Somewhat: To a moderate extent or degree.
Related Phrases and Collocations
- Utterly different: Completely unlike.
- Their approaches to the problem were utterly different. (Their approaches to the problem were completely unlike.)
- Utterly impossible: Completely not possible.
- Finding a solution now seems utterly impossible. (Finding a solution now seems completely not possible.)
- Utterly ridiculous: Completely absurd or silly.
- The accusation was utterly ridiculous. (The accusation was completely absurd.)
Adverb
- completely and without qualification; used informally as intensifiers
- an absolutely magnificent painting
- a perfectly idiotic idea
- you're perfectly right
- utterly miserable
- you can be dead sure of my innocence
- was dead tired
- dead right