Are you absolutely sure you know the difference between absolutely and utterly? While these two words may seem interchangeable, they have distinct meanings that can make or break your writing.
Let’s clarify which of the two words is the proper one to use. The answer is simple: both can be correct, depending on the context. However, there are subtle differences in meaning that you should be aware of.
Absolutely means completely, without exception or qualification. It is often used to emphasize a point or to express certainty. For example, “I am absolutely certain that I locked the door.”
Utterly means completely or to the fullest extent possible. It is often used to convey a sense of finality or to express extreme emotion. For example, “I was utterly devastated by the news.”
Now that we’ve established the difference between the two words, let’s dive deeper into how to use them effectively in your writing.
Define Absolutely
Absolutely is an adverb that is used to emphasize the certainty or completeness of something. It is often used to convey a strong sense of agreement, affirmation, or approval. The term is derived from the Latin word “absolutus,” meaning “unrestricted” or “unconditional.”
When used in a sentence, absolutely can be used to express a variety of meanings, such as:
- Without question or doubt
- Completely or totally
- Definitely or certainly
- Unconditionally or unequivocally
For example:
- “I absolutely love chocolate.”
- “The movie was absolutely amazing.”
- “I absolutely agree with your point.”
- “She’s absolutely gorgeous.”
Define Utterly
Utterly is also an adverb that is used to convey a sense of completeness or totality, but it is often used in a more negative or extreme context than absolutely. The term is derived from the Old English word “utterlic,” meaning “completely, entirely.”
When used in a sentence, utterly can be used to express a variety of meanings, such as:
- Completely or totally
- Without exception or qualification
- Extremely or intensely
- Hopelessly or irretrievably
For example:
- “The situation is utterly hopeless.”
- “I am utterly exhausted.”
- “The food was utterly disgusting.”
- “The company’s reputation was utterly destroyed.”
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
When it comes to using words properly in a sentence, precision is key. One wrong word can completely change the meaning of a sentence. In this article, we will discuss how to use the words “absolutely” and “utterly” correctly in a sentence.
How To Use “Absolutely” In A Sentence
The word “absolutely” is often used to emphasize a statement or to show agreement with something. It can also be used to indicate that something is certain or definite.
Here are some examples of how to use “absolutely” in a sentence:
- “I absolutely love chocolate ice cream.”
- “The team’s performance was absolutely amazing.”
- “I will absolutely be there on time.”
It is important to note that “absolutely” should not be confused with “almost.” While they may sound similar, they have very different meanings. “Almost” indicates that something is nearly but not completely the case, while “absolutely” indicates that something is completely the case.
How To Use “Utterly” In A Sentence
The word “utterly” is often used to indicate that something is complete or total. It can also be used to emphasize a statement or to show extreme dissatisfaction or disapproval.
Here are some examples of how to use “utterly” in a sentence:
- “The project was utterly unsuccessful.”
- “I am utterly exhausted.”
- “The food was utterly disgusting.”
It is important to note that “utterly” should not be used interchangeably with “completely.” While they may seem similar, “utterly” indicates a sense of finality or completeness that “completely” does not.
More Examples Of Absolutely & Utterly Used In Sentences
When it comes to emphasizing a point, the words “absolutely” and “utterly” can be incredibly useful. Here are some more examples of how these words can be used in sentences:
Examples Of Using “Absolutely” In A Sentence
- She was absolutely certain that she had locked the door.
- The food at that restaurant is absolutely delicious.
- He was absolutely thrilled when he found out he got the job.
- I am absolutely exhausted after running that marathon.
- That movie was absolutely terrible – I can’t believe I wasted my time watching it.
- She absolutely loves spending time with her grandchildren.
- The view from the top of the mountain was absolutely breathtaking.
- He is absolutely convinced that he is right.
- The concert was absolutely amazing – I’ll never forget it.
- She was absolutely devastated when her dog passed away.
Examples Of Using “Utterly” In A Sentence
- The situation was utterly hopeless – there was nothing we could do.
- He was utterly shocked when he saw the damage to his car.
- The idea of going back to work on Monday is utterly depressing.
- The house was utterly silent – it was almost eerie.
- She was utterly confused by the instructions – they made no sense to her.
- The performance was utterly flawless – it was like watching a work of art.
- He was utterly defeated after losing the championship game.
- The storm had left the city utterly devastated.
- She was utterly convinced that he was lying to her.
- His behavior was utterly unacceptable – he needed to be disciplined.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to using the words absolutely and utterly, it is common for people to use them interchangeably. However, this is not always correct and can lead to confusion in communication. Below are some common mistakes people make when using these two words and tips on how to avoid them in the future.
Using Absolutely As A Synonym For Utterly
One common mistake is using absolutely as a synonym for utterly. While both words convey a sense of completeness, absolutely is often used to express agreement or certainty, while utterly is used to convey a sense of extreme or total completeness.
For example:
- Incorrect: I am absolutely exhausted.
- Correct: I am utterly exhausted.
In the incorrect example, absolutely does not convey the extreme level of exhaustion the speaker is experiencing. Instead, using utterly would better express the speaker’s level of exhaustion.
Using Utterly As A Synonym For Absolutely
Another common mistake is using utterly as a synonym for absolutely. While both words convey a sense of completeness, absolutely is often used to express agreement or certainty, while utterly is used to convey a sense of extreme or total completeness.
For example:
- Incorrect: I am utterly sure I locked the door.
- Correct: I am absolutely sure I locked the door.
In the incorrect example, utterly does not convey the certainty the speaker has about locking the door. Instead, using absolutely would better express the speaker’s level of certainty.
Using Absolutely To Exaggerate
Another common mistake is using absolutely to exaggerate a statement. While this may be an effective way to emphasize a point, it can also lead to confusion and miscommunication.
For example:
- Incorrect: The movie was absolutely terrible.
- Correct: The movie was very bad.
In the incorrect example, absolutely does not convey any specific information about why the movie was terrible. Instead, using a more specific adjective like “very” would better convey the speaker’s opinion about the movie.
Tips For Avoiding These Mistakes
To avoid these common mistakes, it is important to understand the specific meanings and connotations of each word. Here are some tips:
- Use absolutely to express agreement or certainty.
- Use utterly to convey a sense of extreme or total completeness.
- Avoid using absolutely to exaggerate a statement.
- When in doubt, choose a more specific adjective to convey your meaning.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your communication is clear and effective, and that you are using these two words correctly.
Context Matters
When it comes to choosing between the words “absolutely” and “utterly,” context plays a significant role in determining which one is appropriate to use. While both words convey a sense of extreme certainty or completeness, they are not always interchangeable. Understanding the context in which they are used can help ensure that the right word is chosen for the situation.
Examples Of Different Contexts
Here are some examples of different contexts in which the choice between “absolutely” and “utterly” might change:
1. Emphasizing Certainty
When emphasizing certainty, both “absolutely” and “utterly” can be used interchangeably. For example:
- Absolutely: I am absolutely certain that I locked the door before leaving.
- Utterly: I am utterly convinced that I left my keys on the kitchen counter.
2. Expressing Disbelief
When expressing disbelief, “utterly” is typically the better choice. For example:
- Absolutely: I am absolutely shocked that he won the race.
- Utterly: I am utterly incredulous that she could say something so insensitive.
3. Describing Extremes
When describing extremes, “utterly” is generally the stronger choice. For example:
- Absolutely: The concert was absolutely amazing.
- Utterly: The storm was utterly devastating.
By paying attention to the context in which “absolutely” and “utterly” are used, you can ensure that your writing is clear, concise, and effective. Whether you are emphasizing certainty, expressing disbelief, or describing extremes, choosing the right word can make all the difference in conveying your intended meaning.
Exceptions To The Rules
While the rules for using “absolutely” and “utterly” are generally straightforward, there are a few exceptions where the guidelines may not apply. Here are some cases where the usage of these words might differ:
1. Intensifying Negative Words
When “absolutely” and “utterly” are used to intensify negative words, such as “nothing” or “nobody,” they can be interchangeable. For example:
- Absolutely nothing and utterly nothing mean the same thing.
- Absolutely nobody and utterly nobody are both correct.
However, when used to intensify positive words, “absolutely” is the preferred choice.
2. Regional Differences
There may be regional differences in the usage of “absolutely” and “utterly.” For example, in British English, “utterly” is more commonly used than “absolutely.”
3. Colloquial Language
In some cases, colloquial language may allow for the interchangeable use of “absolutely” and “utterly.” For example, in the phrase “I am absolutely/utterly exhausted,” both words can be used to convey the same meaning.
It is important to note, however, that in formal writing, it is best to adhere to the guidelines for using these words.
Practice Exercises
To truly master the use of absolutely and utterly in sentences, it’s important to practice using them in various contexts. Here are some exercises to help you improve your understanding and usage:
Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank
Fill in the blank with either absolutely or utterly:
- The concert was __________ amazing.
- I am __________ exhausted after running a marathon.
- The food at the restaurant was __________ terrible.
- The movie was __________ hilarious.
- The storm caused __________ chaos in the city.
Answer Key:
- The concert was absolutely amazing.
- I am utterly exhausted after running a marathon.
- The food at the restaurant was utterly terrible.
- The movie was absolutely hilarious.
- The storm caused utterly chaos in the city.
Exercise 2: Sentence Completion
Complete the following sentences using either absolutely or utterly:
- The service at the hotel was __________ unacceptable.
- The view from the top of the mountain was __________ breathtaking.
- I am __________ convinced that he is guilty.
- The company’s decision was __________ ridiculous.
- The child’s behavior was __________ out of control.
Answer Key:
- The service at the hotel was utterly unacceptable.
- The view from the top of the mountain was absolutely breathtaking.
- I am utterly convinced that he is guilty.
- The company’s decision was absolutely ridiculous.
- The child’s behavior was utterly out of control.
By practicing these exercises, you can improve your understanding and usage of absolutely and utterly in sentences. Remember to pay attention to context and tone when using these words, as they can greatly impact the meaning of your sentences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the usage of “absolutely” and “utterly” may seem interchangeable at first glance, but upon closer examination, there are subtle differences in their meanings and connotations.
Key Takeaways:
- “Absolutely” implies a strong affirmation or agreement, whereas “utterly” implies a complete or total state of something.
- Both words can be used to intensify adjectives or adverbs, but “utterly” is more commonly used in negative contexts.
- It is important to consider the context and tone of a sentence when choosing between “absolutely” and “utterly.”
As with any aspect of grammar and language use, it is essential to continue learning and improving our communication skills. By paying attention to the nuances of words like “absolutely” and “utterly,” we can become more effective and precise in our writing and speech.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.