Entirely vs. Utterly

Attribute	Entirely	Utterly
Definition	Completely, wholly	Completely, absolutely
Intensity	Strong emphasis on completeness	Strong emphasis on extremeness
Usage	Commonly used in formal writing	Commonly used in spoken language

Definition

Entirely and utterly are both adverbs that are used to emphasize the completeness or extremeness of something. They are often used interchangeably, but there are subtle differences in their meanings.

Usage

Entirely is typically used to convey a sense of completeness or wholeness. For example, "I am entirely satisfied with the results." Utterly, on the other hand, is used to emphasize the extreme nature of something. For example, "I am utterly exhausted after the long day."

Intensity

While both entirely and utterly are used to emphasize a certain quality, utterly tends to convey a stronger sense of extremeness. When something is described as utterly, it implies that there is no room for doubt or exception. Entirely, on the other hand, may leave some room for interpretation or variation.

Emphasis

Entirely is often used to emphasize the completeness of something. For example, "I am entirely convinced of his innocence." Utterly, on the other hand, is used to emphasize the extreme nature of something. For example, "I am utterly appalled by his behavior."

Examples

Here are some examples of how entirely and utterly can be used in sentences:

• She was entirely focused on her work.
• He was utterly devastated by the news.
• The project was entirely successful.
• The movie was utterly boring.
• I am entirely grateful for your help.
• She was utterly confused by the instructions.

Conclusion

While entirely and utterly are often used interchangeably, there are subtle differences in their meanings and usage. Entirely tends to emphasize completeness and wholeness, while utterly conveys a stronger sense of extremeness. Both adverbs can be used to add emphasis to a statement, but choosing the right one can help convey the intended meaning more effectively.