Completely vs. Utterly

Attribute	Completely	Utterly
Definition	Wholly, entirely, fully	Absolutely, totally, entirely
Intensity	Emphasizes the degree of completeness	Emphasizes the extreme nature of something
Usage	Commonly used in everyday language	More formal or literary usage
Emphasis	Focuses on the thoroughness of an action or state	Emphasizes the absolute nature of something

Definition

Completely and utterly are both adverbs that are used to emphasize the degree or extent of something. Completely means to the fullest extent or degree, leaving no part untouched or unaltered. Utterly, on the other hand, means to the most complete degree possible, leaving nothing out or lacking in any way.

Usage

Completely is often used to describe actions or states that are finished or whole. For example, "She completely finished her homework." Utterly, on the other hand, is used to emphasize the extreme nature of something. For instance, "He was utterly shocked by the news."

Intensifiers

Both completely and utterly are considered intensifiers, which means they add emphasis to the words they modify. They can be used interchangeably in many cases to convey a similar level of intensity. For example, "I completely forgot about the meeting" and "I utterly forgot about the meeting" both emphasize the forgetfulness equally.

Emphasis

While both completely and utterly are used for emphasis, there is a subtle difference in the level of intensity they convey. Completely tends to imply a sense of thoroughness or entirety, while utterly suggests a more extreme or absolute quality. For example, "The room was completely clean" implies that every part of the room was spotless, while "The room was utterly clean" suggests an almost obsessive level of cleanliness.

Common Usage

Completely is a more commonly used word in everyday language, as it is more versatile and can be applied to a wider range of situations. Utterly, on the other hand, is often reserved for more dramatic or extreme circumstances. For example, one might say "I completely agree with you" in a casual conversation, but "I am utterly devastated by the news" in a more serious context.

Similarities

Despite their subtle differences, completely and utterly share many similarities. They are both adverbs that serve to intensify the meaning of the words they modify. They are both used to emphasize the degree or extent of something. And they can both be used to convey a sense of finality or completeness.

Differences

While completely and utterly are similar in many ways, there are some key differences between the two. Completely tends to imply a sense of thoroughness or wholeness, while utterly suggests a more extreme or absolute quality. Completely is also more commonly used in everyday language, while utterly is often reserved for more dramatic or intense situations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, completely and utterly are both powerful adverbs that can add emphasis and intensity to a sentence. While they share many similarities, such as their ability to intensify the meaning of words and convey a sense of completeness, they also have subtle differences in the level of intensity they convey and the contexts in which they are used. Understanding these nuances can help writers and speakers choose the right word to convey the desired meaning and impact in their communication.