utterly

The word “utterly” means completely; totally; to the fullest extent. In plain terms, used before an adjective to mean "completely" — usually for emphasis.

“Utterly” is pronounced UH-tuh-lee (/ˈʌtɚli/ in IPA).

Here is “utterly” used in a sentence: “The trip was utterly exhausting.”

“Utterly” is an adverb.

“Utterly” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

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.

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.

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.

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.