Definition

1. 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

1. 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