Definitely vs. Utterly

Attribute	Definitely	Utterly
Definition	Without doubt; certainly	Completely and entirely
Intensity	Strong affirmation	Extreme emphasis
Usage	Commonly used in everyday language	Less frequently used, more formal
Synonyms	Undoubtedly, unquestionably	Absolutely, totally

Definition

Definitely and utterly are two adverbs that are often used interchangeably in everyday language. However, upon closer examination, it becomes clear that they have distinct meanings and connotations. The word "definitely" is used to express certainty or assurance about something. It implies a high level of confidence in the statement being made. On the other hand, "utterly" is used to emphasize the completeness or extremeness of something. It conveys a sense of totality or thoroughness in the description.

Usage

When it comes to usage, "definitely" is commonly used to affirm a statement or express agreement. For example, one might say, "I definitely want to go to the concert with you." This indicates a strong level of certainty in the speaker's desire to attend the concert. On the other hand, "utterly" is often used to emphasize the extreme nature of a situation or feeling. For instance, one might say, "I am utterly exhausted after running a marathon." This highlights the complete and total exhaustion experienced by the individual.

Intensity

One key difference between "definitely" and "utterly" lies in their intensity levels. While both words convey a sense of certainty or completeness, "utterly" tends to be more intense in its emphasis. The word "definitely" suggests a high level of confidence or assurance, but it may not always convey the same level of extremeness as "utterly." For example, one might say, "I definitely enjoyed the movie," which indicates a strong level of satisfaction. However, if one were to say, "I am utterly in love with this book," the intensity of the feeling is heightened by the use of "utterly."

Emphasis

Another aspect to consider when comparing "definitely" and "utterly" is the emphasis they place on different aspects of a statement. "Definitely" tends to emphasize the certainty or assurance of a statement, highlighting the speaker's confidence in what is being said. On the other hand, "utterly" places more emphasis on the completeness or extremeness of a situation or feeling. It draws attention to the totality or thoroughness of the description, rather than just the certainty of it.

Examples

To further illustrate the differences between "definitely" and "utterly," let's consider a few examples of their usage:

• "I definitely want to travel to Europe next summer." - This statement expresses a strong level of certainty in the speaker's desire to travel.
• "I am utterly fascinated by the history of ancient civilizations." - Here, the use of "utterly" emphasizes the extreme level of fascination the speaker feels.
• "She definitely aced her exam with flying colors." - This sentence conveys a high level of confidence in the student's performance.
• "The storm left the town utterly devastated." - In this example, "utterly" underscores the complete and total devastation caused by the storm.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while "definitely" and "utterly" are both adverbs that convey a sense of certainty or completeness, they have distinct meanings and connotations. "Definitely" is used to express assurance or confidence in a statement, while "utterly" emphasizes the extremeness or totality of a situation or feeling. Understanding the nuances of these words can help improve clarity and precision in communication. So next time you want to convey certainty, reach for "definitely," and when you want to emphasize extremeness, opt for "utterly."