ENGLISH
REFERENCE

utter

v.
C1 Advanced US //ˈətɝ// UK //ˈʌtɐ// ut·ter Archaic Dialect Literary

v. to say something out loud. It is often used to describe making a sound or speaking in a very serious or quiet way.

v. to produce a sound or word with the voice. Often used in negative constructions or to emphasize the gravity or finality of the speech act.


SIMPLE

She did not utter a single word during the entire meeting.

CONTEXTUAL

The witness was so nervous that he could barely utter a coherent sentence when questioned by the lawyer.

COMPLEX

In the silence of the cathedral, the priest began to utter a low prayer that echoed softly against the ancient stone walls.

Synonyms
Usage

The verb is transitive and requires a direct object, often 'a word', 'a sound', or 'a cry'.

Pitfall

He uttered about his secret.He uttered his secret.Utter is a transitive verb and does not take the preposition 'about'; it must be followed directly by the thing being said.

Idioms1 entry

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