Probably vs. Utter

Attribute	Probably	Utter
Definition	Likely to happen or be true	Complete; absolute
Usage	Used to express a high degree of certainty but not absolute certainty	Used to emphasize the completeness or extremeness of something
Probability	Implies a likelihood or chance of something happening	Indicates a total or extreme state
Intensity	Less intense than "certainly" or "definitely"	Emphasizes the extreme nature of something

Definition

Probably and utter are two words that are often used in the English language to convey different levels of certainty or completeness. Probably is an adverb that indicates a high likelihood or probability of something happening or being true. It suggests a strong possibility but not a definite certainty. On the other hand, utter is an adjective that means complete or total. It is used to emphasize the extreme nature of something, indicating that there is nothing more to be added or said.

Usage

Probably is commonly used in everyday language to express uncertainty or likelihood. For example, "It will probably rain tomorrow" suggests that there is a good chance of rain but it is not guaranteed. Utter, on the other hand, is used to emphasize the completeness or extremity of something. For instance, "He was in utter disbelief" conveys that the person was completely shocked and could not believe what had happened.

Intensity

Probably is often used to indicate a moderate level of certainty or likelihood. It suggests that something is more likely to happen than not, but there is still room for doubt. Utter, on the other hand, conveys a sense of absolute certainty or completeness. It leaves no room for doubt or ambiguity, emphasizing the extreme nature of the situation or feeling being described.

Examples

Here are some examples to illustrate the difference between probably and utter:

• Probably: "I will probably go to the party tonight if I finish my work on time."
• Utter: "The room was in utter chaos after the party, with food and drinks spilled everywhere."

Impact

Probably and utter can have different impacts on the tone and meaning of a sentence. Probably tends to soften the statement, making it less definitive and more open to interpretation. Utter, on the other hand, adds emphasis and intensity to the statement, making it more forceful and final. The choice between probably and utter can significantly affect the overall tone and message of a sentence.

Frequency

Probably is a more commonly used word in everyday language, as it is often used to express uncertainty or likelihood in a variety of contexts. Utter, on the other hand, is less frequently used and tends to be reserved for situations where extreme completeness or certainty is being emphasized. While both words have their place in the English language, probably is generally used more frequently than utter in day-to-day communication.

Conclusion

In conclusion, probably and utter are two words that convey different levels of certainty and completeness. Probably suggests a high likelihood or probability of something happening, while utter indicates complete or total certainty. The choice between probably and utter can have a significant impact on the tone and meaning of a sentence, with probably softening the statement and utter adding emphasis and intensity. Both words have their place in the English language, but probably is more commonly used in everyday communication compared to utter.