uttering
C1Formal, Legal
Definition
Meaning
Speaking or saying something aloud; giving voice to words or sounds.
Formally putting something (e.g., a forged document, a threat) into circulation or expressing it in a way that gives it legal or social force.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The core meaning is neutral (speaking), but in legal contexts (e.g., 'uttering a forgery'), it specifically means putting a false document into circulation with intent to deceive.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties use the word identically. The legal sense is more prevalent in both jurisdictions.
Connotations
Neutral for the act of speaking; carries a strong negative, criminal connotation in legal terminology.
Frequency
Low frequency in everyday speech; higher frequency in legal/formal writing. Slightly more common in American legal English.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[utter] + [NP] (word, sound, threat)[utter] + [NP] + [to NP] (uttered a warning to the crowd)[be charged with] + [uttering] + [NP]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Without uttering a word (in complete silence).”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Potentially in formal contexts: 'The CEO was heard uttering concerns about the merger.'
Academic
Used in linguistics/philosophy: 'The act of uttering a sentence involves more than phonetic production.'
Everyday
Low frequency, formal synonym for 'saying': 'She left without uttering a goodbye.'
Technical
Core term in legal contexts for the offence of putting a forged document into circulation.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He was fined for uttering threats in a public place.
- She sat through the entire meeting without uttering a single word.
American English
- The defendant was charged with uttering a forged check.
- He kept uttering strange sounds in his sleep.
adverb
British English
- N/A (No standard adverbial form for 'uttering')
American English
- N/A (No standard adverbial form for 'uttering')
adjective
British English
- N/A (No standard adjectival form for 'uttering')
American English
- N/A (No standard adjectival form for 'uttering')
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The baby is uttering its first words.
- He left without uttering a sound.
- The teacher asked a question, but no one was uttering an answer.
- I heard him uttering a prayer.
- Witnesses reported hearing the man uttering violent threats before the attack.
- The act of uttering a binding promise carries legal weight.
- The forger was convicted not just of creating the fake passport, but of uttering it at the border.
- Philosophers of language distinguish between the act of uttering a sentence and its intended meaning.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'uttering' as 'putting out' words. Just as butter comes out of a churn, utterances come out of your mouth.
Conceptual Metaphor
SPEECH IS THE EMISSION OF AN OBJECT (He uttered a few words).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'высказывать' (to express an opinion) in general. 'Uttering' focuses on the physical/formal act of producing speech/sounds, not the opinion content.
- The legal sense has no direct common equivalent; it's a specific term.
- Avoid using 'uttering' as a casual synonym for 'говорить'; it's too formal.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a common verb for 'saying' in informal contexts (sounds stilted).
- Confusing 'uttering' (speaking) with 'uttering a forgery' (circulating).
- Misspelling as 'uttering'.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'uttering' MOST specifically and technically used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In its core sense, yes, but it is more formal and often implies a complete, deliberate, or formal act of speech. In law, it has a completely different, technical meaning.
Typically no. 'Uttering' primarily relates to spoken language. However, in the legal sense of 'uttering a forgery', it refers to presenting a written document, treating it as if spoken into effect.
'Pronouncing' focuses on the correct or specific way sounds/words are formed. 'Uttering' is broader, focusing on the act of producing speech or sound, regardless of accuracy.
No, it is not common in everyday conversation. It is a mid-to-low frequency word used primarily in formal, legal, or literary contexts.