Words / B2

UT-uh-lee/ˈʌtəli/

Utterly means completely, often with a negative idea: utterly wrong; utterly unconvincing; utterly exhausted. Completely and entirely are close; totally is more informal. Utter as an adjective means complete (utter nonsense). Do not use utterly unique (disputed). Oral exams: utterly unconvincing as a critique.

Meaning

Completely; used for emphasis, often with a negative idea.

Examples

• “The explanation was utterly unconvincing in the oral exam.”
• “The plan is utterly dependent on one grant, which is why auditors worried.”

Good to know

utterly + adjective (often negative). Close: completely / entirely. Informal: totally. Adjective: utter + noun (utter chaos). Avoid utterly unique.

Near in meaning

completely

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