Uttering Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🗣️
Add to dictionary

uttering

[ˈʌtərɪŋ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

speaking

To say something or make a sound with your voice.

Synonyms

express, say, speak, voice.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
uttering

Usually refers to the act of making sounds or speaking words, often used in formal or literary contexts. Can have a negative connotation if it implies insincerity or false statements.

  • She was uttering words of comfort to the grieving family
  • The criminal was found guilty of uttering forged documents
say

Common word used in everyday conversation to indicate that someone is speaking or stating something. Versatile and informal.

  • She said that she would be late to the meeting
  • What do you want to say about this?
speak

Indicates the action of talking, often when engaging in conversation or explaining something. Can also refer to one's ability to use a language.

  • He spoke to the audience about his research
  • Can you speak Spanish?
voice

Used when someone is expressing an opinion or feeling out loud. Also refers to the sound produced by the vocal cords when speaking.

  • She voiced her concerns about the new policy
  • His deep voice was easily recognizable
express

Used when someone is conveying thoughts, feelings, or ideas clearly and effectively. Suitable for both written and spoken communication.

  • He expressed his gratitude for the help he received
  • The artist expressed her emotions through her painting

Examples of usage

  • She was uttering words of encouragement.
  • He uttered a cry of pain.
  • The professor uttered a few words of wisdom.
  • We could hear him uttering curses under his breath.
  • The baby was uttering incomprehensible sounds.
  • The politician uttered a controversial statement during the interview.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Studies show that vocal expressions can significantly affect how messages are perceived by others.
  • The act of uttering can reveal emotions; for instance, variations in tone can indicate happiness or sadness.
  • Practicing speaking can build confidence and improve clarity in communication.

Linguistics

  • In phonetics, 'uttering' involves the physical production of sounds from vocal cords to create speech.
  • Speech acts theory examines how uttering something can itself perform actions (like making promises or requests).
  • The study of pragmatics looks at how context influences the meaning behind uttered statements.

Pop Culture

  • Famous speeches throughout history often focus on the power of uttering words to inspire change.
  • In films, characters often have pivotal moments defined by what they choose to utter, making it a key element of storytelling.
  • Music lyrics often explore themes of love and heartbreak through the art of uttering emotional words.

Education

  • Teachers encourage students to practice uttering their thoughts clearly to enhance oral communication skills.
  • Debate teams emphasize the importance of how one utters arguments to persuade judges effectively.
  • Public speaking courses often focus on techniques to engage the audience through effective uttering.

Origin of 'uttering'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originates from the Old English term 'utteren,' meaning 'to make known.'
  • It is related to the Middle Dutch word 'utteren,' which carries a similar meaning of 'to utter or express.'
  • In the 14th century, the term evolved into its current form, emphasizing spoken words.

The word 'uttering' originated from the Middle English word 'outren', which means 'to speak out'. It has evolved over time to its current usage in the English language. The verb 'utter' itself dates back to the 14th century, with its meaning shifting from 'to say' to 'to give audible expression to'. It has been a commonly used word in English literature and everyday language.


See also: utterance, utterly.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,271, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.