Cool MateTotally vs Utterly
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
| Totally | Utterly | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Completely or very much. | completely or very much |
| CEFR level | B1 | C1 |
| Part of speech | adverb | adverb |
| Usage notes | Use 'totally' to emphasize an absolute degree of something. It's neutral but can sound informal in some contexts. Avoid in very formal writing. | 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. |
Frequently asked questions: Totally vs Utterly
What's the difference between "Totally" and "Utterly"?
"Totally" means: Completely or very much. "Utterly" means: completely or very much
When should I use "Totally" and "Utterly"?
They can all be used in everyday English.
Are "Totally" and "Utterly" the same CEFR level?
"Totally" is at B1, "Utterly" is at C1 on the CEFR scale.