utter
C1formal, literary
Definition
Meaning
To speak audibly; to give audible expression to something (verb). Complete, absolute, total (adjective).
To produce a sound or word with the voice. To express something verbally. In its adjectival sense, it can intensify a noun to mean total, absolute, or unreserved.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
As a verb, it often implies speaking with emphasis, solemnity, or a deliberate act of vocalization. As an adjective, it is an intensifier, usually for negative or extreme qualities (e.g., utter nonsense, utter chaos).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The spelling is identical.
Connotations
Identical connotations of completeness or vocal expression in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly more common in written than spoken language in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
utter + NP (e.g., utter a word)NP + be + utter + NP (e.g., It was utter madness)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “not utter a single word”
- “to the uttermost”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Possibly in 'utter failure of a project' or legal contexts ('utter a forgery').
Academic
Used in literary analysis (e.g., 'the character utters a curse') or as an intensifier ('utter disregard for the evidence').
Everyday
Most common as an adjective for emphasis ('That's utter rubbish!'). The verb is less common in casual speech.
Technical
In phonetics, to describe the act of producing speech sounds.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He did not utter a single word during the entire meeting.
- She uttered a sigh of profound relief.
American English
- I doubt he'll utter an apology.
- The witness refused to utter the name.
adverb
British English
- (Archaic/Rare) She was utterly exhausted after the marathon.
American English
- (Archaic/Rare) He utterly destroyed the old shed.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- He was in utter shock when he heard the news.
- Don't utter a word about our plan.
- The defendant uttered a plea of not guilty.
- The proposal was met with utter disdain by the committee.
- She uttered the incantation with perfect diction, unlocking the ancient mechanism.
- His argument was founded on an utter misconception of the underlying principles.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'UTTERly complete' or 'You UTTER words with your moUTH.'
Conceptual Metaphor
SPEECH IS THE EMISSION OF SOUND (verb). COMPLETENESS IS A CONTAINER FILLED TO THE TOP (adjective).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'outer' (внешний). The verb 'utter' is more specific than general 'say' (говорить). The adjective 'utter' translates as 'полный', 'совершенный', but carries a stronger, often negative, emphasis.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing 'utter' (adjective) with 'utmost' (noun/adjective). Using 'utter' as an adjective for positive contexts is unusual (e.g., 'utter joy' is possible but less common).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following uses of 'utter' is CORRECT?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, particularly as a verb. The adjective is common in both formal and informal emphatic expressions (e.g., 'utter nonsense').
It's possible but less common and can sound archaic or overly formal (e.g., 'utter joy', 'utter perfection'). It typically intensifies negative or extreme states.
'Utter' is more formal and often implies the simple act of producing a specific sound or word, sometimes with solemnity. 'Say' is the general, neutral term for verbal communication.
Yes, 'utterly' is a common adverb meaning 'completely' or 'totally' (e.g., 'utterly ridiculous', 'utterly destroyed'). It is more frequent than the verb 'utter'.