utter
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈʌtər/
KK: /ˈʌtər/
adjective
Definition
Complete or absolute; used to emphasize something that is total or extreme.
Example
The movie was utter nonsense and made no sense at all.
Conversation
I can't believe how they handled that situation; it was just utter chaos.
Right? I've never seen such a mess in my life.
I thought it was going to be a simple event, but it turned into utter madness.
Totally! It's surprising how things can spiral out of control so quickly.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
absolute
complete
total
Antonyms
partial
incomplete
limited
transitive verb
Definition
To say or express something using words; to speak or pronounce.
Example
She was so surprised that she could barely utter a word.
Tense Forms
Past: uttered
Past Participle: uttered
Conversation
Did you hear the singer utter those incredible lyrics last night?
Yeah, it was so moving! I couldn't believe how powerful it felt.
I know, right? It's amazing how much emotion they can utter in just a few lines.
Root Explanation
Utter is derived from Old English 'uttera' (meaning outer or external), which is related to the Proto-Germanic '*uttraz' (meaning outer). The word 'utter' means to express or speak something out loud, as if bringing it from the outside into the open.
Memory Tip
Think of 'outer' to remember that 'utter' means to express something out loud, as if bringing it from the outside.
Visually Confused Words
rutter
putter
nutter
mutter
gutter
cutter
butter
whutter