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utterly — Completely and without qualification; to the fullest extent possible. Used to emphasize the total or absolute nature of something.

Part of speech: ADVERB

Definition: Completely and without qualification; to the fullest extent possible. Used to emphasize the total or absolute nature of something.

Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈʌtərli/

Example Sentences

  • My cat is utterly convinced that my laptop keyboard is his personal bed.
  • I was utterly shocked when I found out my goldfish had been playing dead for three weeks just to get extra food.
  • The project was utterly successful beyond our expectations.

utterly

ADVERB

[/ˈʌtərli/]

Completely and without qualification; to the fullest extent possible. Used to emphasize the total or absolute nature of something.

The second hurricane left the coastal town utterly ruined.
💡 Concept

The second hurricane left the coastal town utterly ruined.

The wizard made the room utterly dark by pushing every bit of light out.
🧠 Mnemonic

The wizard made the room utterly dark by pushing every bit of light out.

After his stutter and quiet mutter, the boy utterly surprised the class when he finally uttered the answer.
🎵 Rhyme

After his stutter and quiet mutter, the boy utterly surprised the class when he finally uttered the answer.

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🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˈʌtərli/

🌳Etymology

Rootutter
Suffix--ly

Origin

From Middle English 'utter' meaning 'outer' or 'complete', which originally meant 'more outward'. Over time, the meaning shifted from spatial (outer) to intensive (complete/absolute).

Breakdown

utter (complete/absolute) + -ly (adverb suffix meaning 'in the manner of')

🎵Rhyme

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

“My cat is utterly convinced that my laptop keyboard is his personal bed.”

😄 Fun example

“I was utterly shocked when I found out my goldfish had been playing dead for three weeks just to get extra food.”

“The project was utterly successful beyond our expectations.”

“She was utterly dedicated to her research.”

📚Related Words

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