Complete vs. Utter: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 26, 2023
"Complete" refers to something being whole or finished, while "Utter" emphasizes totality or extremity, often used for emphasis.
Key Differences
"Complete" is used to describe something that is whole, finished, or has all its parts. For example, a "complete set of books" means nothing is missing. On the other hand, "Utter" is an adjective that intensifies the noun it precedes, like in "utter nonsense," suggesting it is completely nonsensical.
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Dec 26, 2023
In usage, "complete" often refers to the physical completeness of objects or tasks, as in "The building is complete." Conversely, "utter" is used to describe the extent or degree of a condition or quality, implying it is absolute, such as in "utter despair."
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Dec 26, 2023
"Complete" can also imply total or thorough, as in "complete control," but it maintains a focus on wholeness. "Utter," however, conveys a sense of totality in terms of quality or condition, like "utter joy," indicating an overwhelming feeling.
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Dec 26, 2023
When used as verbs, "to complete" means to finish or make whole, as in "complete a project." In contrast, "to utter" means to express or articulate something verbally, as in "utter a word."
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Dec 26, 2023
"Complete" can function as an adjective, verb, and adverb, whereas "utter" is primarily used as an adjective, occasionally as a verb but rarely as an adverb.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Primary Meaning
Wholeness or finished state
Totality or extremity, used for emphasis
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Dec 26, 2023
Usage Context
Physical objects, tasks, thoroughness
Degree or quality of a condition
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Function in a Sentence
Can be an adjective, verb, or adverb
Mainly an adjective, sometimes a verb
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Dec 26, 2023
Common Phrases
"Complete success," "complete the work"
"Utter nonsense," "utter a sentence"
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Dec 26, 2023
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Complete and Utter Definitions
Complete
Unqualified; absolute.
He had complete authority over the decision.
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Dec 26, 2023
Complete
Having all necessary or normal parts, components, or steps; entire
A complete medical history.
A complete set of dishes.
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Oct 19, 2023
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Complete
(Botany) Having all principal parts, namely, the sepals, petals, stamens, and pistil or pistils. Used of a flower.
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Oct 19, 2023
Complete
Having come to an end; concluded
The renovation of the kitchen is complete.
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Oct 19, 2023
Utter
(Law) To put (counterfeit currency or a forged check or instrument) into circulation
Utter a bad check.
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Oct 19, 2023
Complete
To make whole, with all necessary elements or parts
A second child would complete their family. Fill in the blanks to complete the form.
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Oct 19, 2023
Complete
(Football) To throw (a forward pass) that is caught in bounds by a receiver.
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Oct 19, 2023
Complete
(ambitransitive) To finish; to make done; to reach the end.
He completed the assignment on time.
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Oct 19, 2023
Complete
(transitive) To make whole or entire.
The last chapter completes the book nicely.
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Oct 19, 2023
Utter
(transitive) To produce (speech or other sounds) with one's voice.
Don't you utter another word!
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Oct 19, 2023
Utter
(transitive) To reveal or express (an idea, thought, desire, etc.) with speech.
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Oct 19, 2023
Complete
With all parts included; with nothing missing; full.
My life will be complete once I buy this new television.
She offered me complete control of the project.
After she found the rook, the chess set was complete.
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Oct 19, 2023
Utter
To produce (a noise) (of an inanimate object).
Sally's car uttered a hideous shriek when she applied the brakes.
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Oct 19, 2023
Complete
Finished; ended; concluded; completed.
When your homework is complete, you can go and play with Martin.
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Oct 19, 2023
Complete
Generic intensifier.
He is a complete bastard!
It was a complete shock when he turned up on my doorstep.
Our vacation was a complete disaster.
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Oct 19, 2023
Complete
In which every Cauchy sequence converges to a point within the space.
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Oct 19, 2023
Complete
In which every semantically valid well-formed formula is provable.
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Oct 19, 2023
Utter
To show (something that has been hidden); to reveal the identity of (someone).
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Oct 19, 2023
Complete
That is in a given complexity class and is such that every other problem in the class can be reduced to it (usually in polynomial time or logarithmic space).
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Oct 19, 2023
Complete
Filled up; with no part or element lacking; free from deficiency; entire; perfect; consummate.
Ye are complete in him.
That thou, dead corse, again in complete steelRevisit'st thus the glimpses of the moon.
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Oct 19, 2023
Utter
To commit the crime of uttering knowingly presenting forged documentation.
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Oct 19, 2023
Complete
Finished; ended; concluded; completed; as, the edifice is complete.
This course of vanity almost complete.
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Oct 19, 2023
Utter
Outer.
As doth an hidden mothThe inner garment fret, not th' utter touch.
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Oct 19, 2023
Complete
Having all the parts or organs which belong to it or to the typical form; having calyx, corolla, stamens, and pistil.
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Oct 19, 2023
Utter
Situated on the outside, or extreme limit; remote from the center; outer.
Through utter and through middle darkness borne.
The very utter part pf Saint Adelmes point is five miles from Sandwich.
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Oct 19, 2023
Complete
To bring to a state in which there is no deficiency; to perfect; to consummate; to accomplish; to fulfill; to finish; as, to complete a task, or a poem; to complete a course of education.
Bred only and completed to the tasteOf lustful appetence.
And, to complete her bliss, a fool for mate.
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Oct 19, 2023
Utter
Complete; perfect; total; entire; absolute; as, utter ruin; utter darkness.
They . . . are utter strangers to all those anxious thoughts which disquiet mankind.
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Oct 19, 2023
Complete
Come or bring to a finish or an end;
He finished the dishes
She completed the requirements for her Master's Degree
The fastest runner finished the race in just over 2 hours; others finished in over 4 hours
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Oct 19, 2023
Utter
Peremptory; unconditional; unqualified; final; as, an utter refusal or denial.
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Oct 19, 2023
Complete
Bring to a whole, with all the necessary parts or elements;
A child would complete the family
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Oct 19, 2023
Utter
To put forth or out; to reach out.
How bragly [proudly] it begins to bud,And utter his tender head.
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Oct 19, 2023
Utter
To dispose of in trade; to sell or vend.
Such mortal drugs I have, but Mantua's lawIs death to any he that utters them.
They bring it home, and utter it commonly by the name of Newfoundland fish.
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Oct 19, 2023
Utter
Hence, to put in circulation, as money; to put off, as currency; to cause to pass in trade; - often used, specifically, of the issue of counterfeit notes or coins, forged or fraudulent documents, and the like; as, to utter coin or bank notes.
The whole kingdom should continue in a firm resolution never to receive or utter this fatal coin.
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Oct 19, 2023
Complete
Write all the required information onto a form;
Fill out this questionnaire, please!
Make out a form
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Oct 19, 2023
Utter
To give public expression to; to disclose; to publish; to speak; to pronounce.
The words I utterLet none think flattery, for they 'll find 'em truth.
And the last words he uttered called me cruel.
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Oct 19, 2023
Complete
Having every necessary or normal part or component or step;
A complete meal
A complete wardrobe
A complete set pf the Britannica
A complete set of china
A complete defeat
A complete accounting
An incomplete flower
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Oct 19, 2023
Utter
Articulate; either verbally or with a cry, shout, or noise;
She expressed her anger
He uttered a curse
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Oct 19, 2023
Complete
Perfect and complete in every respect; having all necessary qualities;
A complete gentleman
Consummate happiness
A consummate performance
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Oct 19, 2023
Utter
Express audibly; utter sounds (not necessarily words);
She let out a big heavy sigh
He uttered strange sounds that nobody could understand
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Oct 19, 2023
Complete
Having all four whorls or principal parts--sepals and petals and stamens and carpels (or pistils);
Complete flowers
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Oct 19, 2023
Utter
Express in speech;
She talks a lot of nonsense
This depressed patient does not verbalize
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Oct 19, 2023
Complete
Without qualification; used informally as (often pejorative) intensifiers;
An arrant fool
A complete coward
A consummate fool
A double-dyed villain
Gross negligence
A perfect idiot
Pure folly
What a sodding mess
Stark staring mad
A thoroughgoing villain
Utter nonsense
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Oct 19, 2023
Utter
Without qualification; used informally as (often pejorative) intensifiers;
An arrant fool
A complete coward
A consummate fool
A double-dyed villain
Gross negligence
A perfect idiot
Pure folly
What a sodding mess
Stark staring mad
A thoroughgoing villain
Utter nonsense
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Oct 19, 2023
Complete
Having come or been brought to a conclusion;
The harvesting was complete
The affair is over, ended, finished
The abruptly terminated interview
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Oct 19, 2023
Utter
To put (thoughts) into words; express.
He could barely utter his excitement.
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Dec 26, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
What does 'complete' primarily mean?
It means having all parts or being entirely finished.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023
What is the essence of 'utter' when used as an adjective?
It emphasizes totality or extremity.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023
Is 'complete' used in terms of physical objects?
Yes, it often refers to the physical completeness of objects.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023
Is 'utter' ever used as an adverb?
It's rare; 'utter' is mainly an adjective or a verb.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023
Can 'complete' be used as a verb?
Yes, it means to finish or make something whole.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023
How is 'utter' used as a verb?
It means to express or say something verbally.
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Dec 26, 2023
What's an example of 'complete' in a sentence?
"She completed the marathon."
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Dec 26, 2023
What does 'utter' convey when describing a condition?
It implies an absolute degree or quality.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023
What's a common phrase using 'utter'?
"Utter nonsense" or "utter a sentence."
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023
Is 'complete' used in academic contexts?
Yes, especially regarding achievements or studies.
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Dec 26, 2023
Can 'utter' be synonymous with 'speak'?
As a verb, yes, it can mean to speak or express.
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Dec 26, 2023
Is 'utter' always negative?
No, it can be used in positive contexts like "utter joy."
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023
Does 'complete' imply perfection?
Not necessarily; it focuses on completeness.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023
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Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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