How to pronounce utter
Say it like UHT-er. Utter has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (UHT).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce utter. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- UHT
- er
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Utter pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- UHTSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- erKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of utter
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: UHT-uh.
What does utter mean?
- articulate; either verbally or with a cry, shout, or noise“She expressed her anger”“He uttered a curse”
- express audibly; utter sounds (not necessarily words)“She let out a big heavy sigh”“He uttered strange sounds that nobody could understand”
- express in speech“She talks a lot of nonsense”“This depressed patient does not verbalize”
- without qualification; used informally as (often pejorative) intensifiers“an arrant fool”“a complete coward”
- complete and absolute“utter seriousness”“blank stupidity”
Where does utter come from?
The noun is derived from the adjective.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying utter
How do you pronounce utter?
Say UHT-er. The American pronunciation is /ˈʌtɚ/. In British English it is /ˈʌtə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in utter?
Utter has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (UHT). Broken into parts: UHT · er.
Is utter pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈʌtə/ (UHT-uh).