What does 'utterly' mean?
Definition
Meaning: Utterly describes doing something completely, totally, or to an extreme degree.
La signification : Utterly signifie complètement ou totalement, souvent dans un contexte d'intensité ou d'absolu.
Example: The ER team was utterly exhausted after a grueling night shift.
Grammar: Adverb. Often used to emphasize the extent of an action or state (e.g., “utterly exhausted”).
Quote: “It is easy these days to fall into
despair and
helpless outrage, to feel
utterly powerless.”
[@DailyMaverick]
N.B.: Derived from “utter,” meaning to express or complete fully. In the ER, it underscores the extreme nature of situations, like total exhaustion or complete certainty.
Word Analysis
Français
»» Complètement
»» Totalement
»» Absolument
L'équipe était utterly débordée face à l'afflux de patients.
Le diagnostic était utterly clair pour le médecin.
English
»» Utterly
»» Completely
»» Totally
The ER staff was utterly overwhelmed during the crisis.
The patient’s condition was completely stabilized after treatment.
Dialogue
Dr. Lee: "How’s the patient in Trauma 1 doing?"
Nurse Patel: "They were utterly unresponsive when they arrived, but we’ve stabilized them."
Dr. Lee: "Good work. I’m absolutely confident in your team’s efforts."
Nurse Patel: "Thanks, we’re totally committed to saving lives."
Etymology
Origin: From Old English “utter,” meaning to put forth or express fully, combined with the suffix “-ly” to form an adverb.
Modern Usage: Used in medical contexts like the ER to describe complete states, such as exhaustion, certainty, or urgency.
Grammar Note: Adverb, typically modifying adjectives or verbs (e.g., “utterly exhausted”). Not commonly used standalone or as an adjective.
Audience
Ideal for medical professionals, emergency responders, or high-pressure environments.
When to use: Use utterly when describing extreme or complete states in critical situations. Example: “The ER was utterly chaotic during the mass casualty event.”
Extra! Extra!
For a visual exploration of utterly, check out the following videos:
How to pronounce 'utterly'
Utterly: meaning & examples
Wordreference
For more on our word of the day and its usage, visit WordReference for definitions, translations, and examples in context.
Here are some quick links for further exploration:
» English⇄English – Discuss and learn about words and their usage.
» English⇄French – Explore translations and linguistic nuances.
» Synonyms⇄Antonyms – Contextual variations, etc.
Common Expressions & Collocations
Utterly exhausted
Completely drained of energy, especially in high-pressure settings like an ER.
Example: "After the 12-hour shift, the ER team was utterly exhausted."
Utterly certain
Absolutely sure or confident, often used for critical decisions.
Example: "The doctor was utterly certain of the diagnosis."
Utter nonsense
Something that is completely false or ridiculous.
Example: "Saying the virus was a hoax was utter nonsense."
Utter failure
A complete and total failure, often used in strong criticism.
Example: "The campaign was an utter failure due to poor planning."
Mildly vs. Utterly
A useful contrast: "mildly" suggests a small degree, while "utterly" means to the extreme.
Example: "He was mildly annoyed, but she was utterly furious."
Completely
To the full extent (similar meaning).
Example: "The patient was completely stabilized after treatment."
Totally
Fully or entirely (related term).
Example: "The ER staff was totally committed to saving lives."
Absolutely
With no doubt or to the fullest degree (similar term).
Example: "The situation was absolutely critical in the trauma ward."
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