utterly
UH-tuh-lee
Utterly (adverb) means Completely; totally; to the fullest extent. Example: “The film was utterly boring, so we left before the end.”
adverb
1
Completely; totally; to the fullest extent.
"I have failed you utterly."
"The film was utterly boring, so we left before the end."
"The trip was utterly exhausting."
"I am utterly convinced she is right."
"Well, now we are utterly lost."
How to use utterly
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishUsed before an adjective to mean "completely" — usually for emphasis.
Common pairings
utterly ridiculous
utterly convinced
utterly exhausted
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like utterly.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The film was _____ boring, so we left before the end.
Etymology
From utter + -ly.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for utterly
See all rhymes for utterly →Frequently asked questions
What does “utterly” mean?
The word “utterly” means completely; totally; to the fullest extent. In plain terms, used before an adjective to mean "completely" — usually for emphasis.
How do you pronounce “utterly”?
“Utterly” is pronounced UH-tuh-lee (/ˈʌtɚli/ in IPA).
How do you use “utterly” in a sentence?
Here is “utterly” used in a sentence: “The trip was utterly exhausting.”
What part of speech is “utterly”?
“Utterly” is an adverb.
Is “utterly” a common word?
“Utterly” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between utterly and completely?
Both mean totally or to the fullest extent, but utterly is the more emphatic and emotive word. Utterly most often intensifies negative or extreme words, as in utterly ruined or utterly absurd, while completely pairs neutrally with almost anything, as in completely finished.
Is utterly a negative word?
Utterly itself is neutral; it simply means completely or to the fullest extent. In practice, though, it collocates most naturally with negative or extreme adjectives such as hopeless, exhausted, or ridiculous. Positive pairings like utterly delighted occur, but they are rarer and sound deliberately emphatic.
Is utterly related to the adjective utter?
Yes. Utterly is formed from the adjective utter, meaning complete or absolute, plus the adverb ending -ly. So utter chaos becomes utterly chaotic, with no connection needed to the separate verb utter meaning to speak.
Is utterly formal or informal?
Utterly is at home in both registers: it appears in formal prose and casual speech alike. Because it is an intensifier meaning completely or to the fullest extent, overuse drains its force, so it works best saved for genuine extremes.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include utterly:
