Certainly vs. Utterly

Attribute	Certainly	Utterly
Definition	Without doubt; definitely	Completely and entirely
Intensity	High	Extreme
Usage	Commonly used in everyday language	Less commonly used, more formal
Emphasis	Emphasizes certainty	Emphasizes completeness

Definition

Certainly and utterly are two adverbs that are often used to emphasize the degree or extent of something. Certainly is used to express a high degree of certainty or confidence in a statement, while utterly is used to convey a sense of completeness or extremeness. Both words are commonly used in spoken and written English to add emphasis to a statement or to convey a strong feeling or opinion.

Usage

Certainly is typically used to indicate that something is definitely true or will definitely happen. For example, "I will certainly be there on time" or "She certainly knows how to cook." On the other hand, utterly is used to emphasize that something is complete or total. For example, "I am utterly exhausted" or "The room was utterly silent." Both words can be used in a variety of contexts, but they are often used in different ways to convey slightly different meanings.

Intensity

One key difference between certainly and utterly is the level of intensity they convey. Certainly is often used to express a high level of confidence or assurance, but it may not always convey the same level of extremeness as utterly. Utterly, on the other hand, is used to emphasize the completeness or totality of something, often conveying a stronger sense of extremeness or intensity. For example, "I am certainly happy" may not convey the same level of intensity as "I am utterly ecstatic."

Emphasis

Both certainly and utterly are used to add emphasis to a statement, but they do so in slightly different ways. Certainly is often used to emphasize the certainty or truth of a statement, while utterly is used to emphasize the completeness or extremeness of something. For example, "I certainly believe in the power of positive thinking" emphasizes the speaker's belief, while "I am utterly convinced that she is the right person for the job" emphasizes the speaker's conviction.

Context

The context in which certainly and utterly are used can also affect their meanings. Certainly is often used in more formal or polite contexts to express certainty or agreement, while utterly is often used in more informal or dramatic contexts to emphasize extremeness or completeness. For example, "I certainly agree with your assessment" is a polite way to express agreement, while "I am utterly appalled by his behavior" conveys a strong sense of shock or disbelief.

Examples

• Certainly: "I will certainly consider your proposal."
• Utterly: "I am utterly amazed by her talent."
• Certainly: "She certainly has a way with words."
• Utterly: "I am utterly exhausted after a long day."

Conclusion

In conclusion, certainly and utterly are two adverbs that are used to add emphasis to a statement or convey a strong feeling or opinion. While both words serve similar purposes, they have distinct attributes that set them apart. Certainly is often used to express certainty or confidence, while utterly is used to emphasize completeness or extremeness. Understanding the differences between certainly and utterly can help you use them effectively in your writing and communication.