utterly
UK: ˈʌtəli | US: ˈʌtərli
adv. completely; absolutely (used for emphasis)
adv. to an extreme degree; without qualification
The word "utterly" derives from the Old English "ūtera," meaning "outer" or "external," which evolved into "utter" in Middle English, signifying "complete" or "absolute." The suffix "-ly," from Old English "-līc," transforms adjectives into adverbs. Thus, "utterly" originally meant "to an outer extent" but shifted to emphasize totality or extremity. The progression reflects how spatial concepts (outer → complete) often abstract into intensifiers in language.
The team was utterly defeated in the final match.
She was utterly shocked by the unexpected news.
The landscape was utterly barren after the drought.
His speech left the audience utterly speechless.
The project failed utterly due to poor planning.