Completely and without qualification; to the maximum degree; used to emphasize the extreme nature of something.
From Middle English 'utterly', derived from 'utter' meaning 'outer, extreme' plus '-ly'. 'Utter' comes from Old English 'ūtera', comparative of 'ūt' (out), literally meaning 'more outward' or 'further out'. The sense evolved from 'outermost' to 'complete, absolute'.
The journey of 'utterly' from meaning 'outward' to 'completely' is remarkable - it suggests that completeness was once conceptualized as reaching the outermost limits of possibility. This spatial metaphor for totality still resonates today when we say something is 'utterly' destroyed, implying it's been pushed to the absolute outer edge of destruction.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.