UTTER

Definition of UTTER

UTTER Verb and Adjective

Utter is both a verb and an adjective with different yet related meanings. As a verb, it refers to the act of speaking or expressing something aloud. As an adjective, it describes something that is absolute, complete, or total.

UTTER as a verb

As a Verb (To Speak or Express): As a verb, utter means to articulate sounds, words, or statements aloud. For example, “She could barely utter a word due to her shock” describes the action of speaking or expressing oneself.

Examples in Language: In language, utter is used to denote the act of vocalizing or expressing thoughts or statements. For example, “He uttered a sigh of relief” highlights the act of making a sound or expression.

UTTER as an adjective

As an Adjective (Absolute or Complete): As an adjective, utter describes something that is total, complete, or absolute in nature. For example, “The decision was met with utter disappointment” means that the disappointment was complete and total.

Examples in Language: In language, utter is used to describe the extent or degree of something. For example, “The project was an utter failure” emphasizes the completeness of the failure.

Contextual Uses: Utter can be applied in various contexts, including: Communication: Describing the act of speaking or expressing verbally. Emotion: Expressing the completeness or totality of an emotional state. Descriptive: Using the adjective form to describe the extent or degree of something.

Characteristics of Utter: Expression (Verb): Involves vocalizing or articulating words or sounds. Completeness (Adjective): Indicates something that is total or absolute.

Implementing the Concept of Utter: Speech: Using utter to describe the act of speaking or expressing verbally. Description: Applying the adjective form to emphasize the extent or degree of a situation or emotion.

Cultural and Practical Perspectives: Understanding the dual use of utter in both verbal and descriptive contexts is important in communication and expression. The verb form focuses on the action of speaking, while the adjective form emphasizes the completeness of a state or condition.

In conclusion, utter serves as both a verb meaning to speak or express aloud and as an adjective describing something that is total or absolute. Recognizing the dual usage of utter highlights its importance in communication and descriptive contexts, emphasizing both the act of verbal expression and the degree of completeness or extent.

Examples of UTTER in a sentence

UTTER as a verb in a sentence

  • He uttered a sigh of relief when the exam was finally over.
  • She uttered a few words of thanks before leaving the stage.
  • The witness uttered a statement that contradicted the evidence presented.
  • He couldn’t help but utter a complaint about the service.
  • They uttered their vows in front of family and friends during the ceremony.
  • She uttered a warning to the hikers about the approaching storm.
  • The child uttered a cry of joy upon receiving the gift.
  • He uttered a brief apology before exiting the meeting.

UTTER as an adjective in a sentence

  • The utter silence in the room made everyone uncomfortable.
  • Her utter confusion was evident when she heard the news.
  • They faced an utter lack of support from the community.
  • The utter darkness made it difficult to see anything.
  • His utter disregard for the rules led to severe consequences.
  • The utter failure of the project was disappointing for the team.
  • She felt utter exhaustion after the long journey.
  • The utter honesty of his response was appreciated by everyone.

Origin of UTTER

The term utter has a fascinating etymological journey, reflecting its evolution from early language use to its contemporary meanings.

  • Latin Origins: The term utter originates from the Latin word “uttere,” meaning “to put out” or “to release.” This Latin root reflects the act of expressing or emitting something, whether spoken or otherwise.
  • Middle English Usage: In Middle English, “utter” evolved from the Old English “utterian,” meaning “to utter” or “to speak out.” It was used to describe the act of expressing words or sounds, derived from the Latin “uttere,” focusing on the act of making something known or releasing it into the open.
  • Early Modern Adaptation: By the early modern period, “utter” was used in both literal and figurative senses to describe the act of speaking or expressing something, as well as the complete or absolute nature of something. It came to be associated with both the act of speech and the extent or degree of something being expressed.
  • Contemporary Definitions: Today, utter refers to the action of expressing something verbally or the state of something being complete or absolute. It is used in various contexts, including speech, literature, and everyday language, to describe the act of conveying information or the extent of an attribute.

The term utter illustrates its evolution from Latin roots emphasizing the act of emitting or expressing to its modern use, highlighting both the act of speech and the degree of completeness. Its development shows the shift from a focus on expression to a broader application in describing thoroughness or absoluteness.

Synonyms

  • Speak
  • Say
  • Express
  • Pronounce
  • Articulate
  • Voice
  • Declare
  • Announce

Antonyms

  • Silence
  • Mute
  • Conceal
  • Hush
  • Withhold
  • Refrain
  • Suppress
  • Dismiss

Related

  • Utterance
  • Speech
  • Statement
  • Expression
  • Pronunciation
  • Communication
  • Remark
  • Comment

🌐 🇬🇧 UTTER in other languages

Terms of Use

Privacy & Cookies

Disclaimer

Who We Are

Main Sections

Idioms

Geographical Locations

Organisations

Professions

Let´s Talk

Contact

Instagram

® 2024 https://DefinitionGo.com