C1adverb2K

Utterly

UK /["/ˈʌtəli/"]/US /["/ˈʌtərli/"]/

Definition

completely

In simple words: completely or very much

Examples

  • We're so utterly different from each other.
  • She utterly failed to convince them.

Usage notes

Use 'utterly' in both spoken and written English to emphasize the totality of an action or state. It is more intense than just saying 'very'. It may not be appropriate in casual conversation, where simpler terms are often preferred.

Grammar pattern

utterly + adjective/adverb

Memory hint

Sounds like 'utter lie' — imagine someone completely lying about something.

Collocations

  • utterly amazed
  • utterly ridiculous
  • utterly defeated
  • utterly confused
  • utterly hopeless

Synonyms

  • completely
  • totally
  • entirely
  • fully
  • absolutely

Antonyms

  • partially
  • slightly

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'totally' in overly casual contexts.
  • Using 'utterly' for countable nouns, which is incorrect.