utter

UK: ˈʌtə | US: ˈʌtər

Definition

  1. adj. complete; absolute

  2. vt. to speak or produce sound

Structure
ut <out>ter <comparative suffix>
Etymology

The word "utter" originates from Old English ūtera, meaning "outer," derived from ūt (out). Over time, it evolved to emphasize extremity ("outermost"), leading to its modern meanings of "complete" (adj.) and "to speak" (vt.), the latter arising from the idea of "putting forth" words.

Examples

  1. She felt utter despair after the loss.

  2. He didn’t utter a word during the meeting.

  3. The silence was utter and unnerving.

  4. The judge’s decision was utter nonsense.

  5. Can you utter the phrase correctly?