Utterly
'ʌtəli
Definitions
To a complete or extreme degree; completely.
'ʌtəli
Completely or absolutely
The argument was utterly ridiculous.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're REALLY tired. Like, so tired you can barely keep your eyes open. 'Utterly' is like saying you're *completely* and *totally* tired. It's the ultimate level of something!
👶 For kids: It means totally or completely.
More Examples
I am utterly convinced of her innocence.
The plan failed utterly.
How It's Used
"He was utterly exhausted after the marathon."
"She felt utterly alone in the world."
Synonyms
Absolutely
Altogether
Completely
Entirely
Fully
Perfectly
Thoroughly
Totally
From Middle English *utterly*, from *utter* (completely) + -ly (suffix forming adverbs). The word 'utter' itself comes from Old English *ūtor* (outer).
Used frequently in 19th and 20th century literature to emphasize the extent of an action or feeling.
Memory tip
Think of 'utterly' as a word to describe something done to the 'utter' (or complete) end.