Daily Word • Learn, play, and grow your vocabulary
When something is described as 'utterly' done, it means it's complete and total—absolutely no doubt about it. It's like saying something is 100% done. Think of it as the ultimate degree of something. It leaves no room for partialness or doubt. It's stronger than 'very' or 'really'. Imagine crushing a soda can completely flat; it's utterly crushed. Or finishing a video game and beating the final boss; you've utterly conquered it.
The word 'utterly' comes from the Old English word 'ūtera', meaning 'outer' or 'further'. Over time, it evolved to mean 'completely' or 'to the greatest extent'. It's related to 'utter', which originally meant 'to put out' or 'express fully'. So, 'utterly' suggests something is brought to its complete or final expression.
Remember when Eleven utterly defeated the Demogorgon in 'Stranger Things'? She used all her powers to completely obliterate it. Or when Harry Potter utterly vanquished Voldemort? That's the kind of total victory 'utterly' describes. Think of the most epic, no-holds-barred victory you can imagine, and you're on the right track.
Use 'utterly' when you want to emphasize how complete something is. It adds punch to your sentences. Don't be afraid to use it when describing something that's completely done or felt. 👍
Get expertly crafted daily words delivered straight to your WhatsApp. Join thousands learning new words every day!
