Utterly: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to emphasize something that is extreme or complete, often in a negative sense.

• He was utterly disappointed with the results.
• The play was utterly boring.

Used to indicate something is finished or whole, often neutral.

• The task is completely done.
• He was completely exhausted after the marathon.

Used for strong or emphatic affirmation, often positive or neutral.

• She was absolutely sure about her decision.
• This is absolutely the best cake I've ever tasted.

Used in informal situations to stress something is full or complete, often casual.

• He totally forgot about the meeting.
• I'm totally on board with this plan.

Used to suggest something is whole or unified, often used in a formal or written context.

• The responsibility falls entirely on you.
• The statement is entirely accurate.

Use in formal or emphatic situations to emphasize the completeness or totality of something.

• She was utterly exhausted after the long journey.
• The decision was utterly ridiculous.

Common in everyday speech and writing to show a very high intensity.

• He was extremely happy about the news.
• The task was extremely difficult.

Used in casual contexts to emphasize a positive or surprising quality.

• She is incredibly talented.
• The food was incredibly delicious.

Used in casual or colloquial speech to emphasize something that is hard to believe; often has a sense of exaggeration.

• The view from the top was unbelievably beautiful.
• He is unbelievably fast.

Appropriate in formal or academic contexts to denote a very high degree.

• The weather was exceedingly hot that summer.
• She performed exceedingly well on her exams.