WordGarden.ioutter
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /ˈʌtə/
US
- /ˈətər/
Meanings
Adjective
used for emphasis to mean complete or absolute
Verb
to say something aloud or express it in words
Beyond the definition
To utter something is to give it voice, to actually say it aloud instead of only thinking it. It focuses on the act of making a sound or speaking, whether it's a tiny sigh, a cry of surprise, or a formal statement. But the word also has another role: as an adjective, it means absolute or total. You might describe a chaotic scene as an utter disaster or a quiet room as being in utter silence. Whether you use it as an action or a description, it suggests something expressed or present to the fullest degree.
The word "utter" possesses a fascinating duality. As a verb, it describes the physical act of speaking or making a sound. When you utter a word, you are pushing it out into the world. It doesn't necessarily mean speaking clearly; one can utter a muffled groan or an incoherent scream. The key is the transition from internal thought or feeling to external expression. This is why we often say someone "didn't utter a word"—meaning they remained completely silent.
However, "utter" also functions as a powerful adjective meaning total, complete, or absolute. This usage emphasizes the intensity or extreme degree of a situation. An utter failure is a total one, and utter darkness is a complete lack of light. It is a "maximal" word, leaving no room for half-measures or compromise.
The origins of "utter" are rooted in the idea of being "outward." In Old English, it was related to the word for "out." To utter a sound was to put it "out" there, and the adjective described something that had reached the "outer" or extreme limit of its scale. Whether you're describing a spoken plea or a state of total chaos, "utter" conveys a sense of something being fully and finally realized.
Examples
- 1
Silence
He sat there for ten minutes without uttering a word.
- 2
Quiet speech
She opened her mouth, but all she could utter was a whisper.
- Usage
utter is more formal than say, especially for a few words or sounds
- 3
Workplace complaint
No one dared to utter a complaint in front of the boss.
- 4
Complete silence
The announcement left us in utter silence.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Complete failure
The plan was an utter failure.
- Patternutter + noun
complete or total
- 6
Strong criticism
That excuse is utter nonsense.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- utter nonsense
- utter chaos
- utter disbelief
- utter failure
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- utterverbadjective
Forms
- utteredpast tenseverbadjective
- uttering-ing formverbadjective
- uttersverbadjective