Utterance: Definition, Usage & Examples

Meaning 1：spoken word or sound (utterance)

utterance 🔊

/ˈʌtərəns/

Something that is spoken out loud, like a word, statement, or vocal sound.

Utterance definition illustrated by a person speaking with visible sound waves

spoken word or sound 🔊

➕

/ˈspoʊkən wɜrd ɔr saʊnd/

An utterance refers to any vocal sound or series of words produced orally, often in the context of communication or expression.

📁 Category：Language Evolution 🔖 Level：intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From 'utter' (to speak) + '-ance' (noun suffix), meaning the act or result of speaking.

💡 Mnemonic

Think 'utter' (to speak) + 'ance' (like instance), so an utterance is an instance of speaking.

📖 Example

During the school debate, every student's utterance was carefully listened to by the judges. 🔊 In the school debate, judges paid close attention to each student's spoken contribution.

🔗 Collocations

make an utterance – to produce a spoken word or sound

utterance of truth – the act of speaking something truthful

spoken utterance – a vocal expression made orally

🔄 Synonyms

statement (n.) – a definite or clear expression of something in speech or writing

expression (n.) – the act of making thoughts or feelings known through words or sounds

vocalization (n.) – the production of sound using the voice

🚫 Antonyms

silence (n.) – the absence of sound or speech

text (n.) – written or printed words, as opposed to spoken ones

🌱 Derivatives

utter (v.) – to speak or produce sounds with the voice

utterable (adj.) – capable of being spoken or expressed

📖 Cultural Story

In linguistics, an utterance is the smallest unit of speech, studied in pragmatics. It highlights the importance of spoken language in communication and analysis.