What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
starkly
Example
The difference in their personalities was starkly evident when they were put in the same room. [starkly: adverb]
Example
The starkly furnished room had only a bed, a chair, and a small table. [starkly: adjective]
utterly
Example
I was utterly exhausted after running the marathon. [utterly: adverb]
Example
The idea of harming innocent people is utterly unacceptable. [utterly: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Utterly is more common than starkly in everyday language, and it is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts. Starkly, on the other hand, is less common and is typically used in specific situations where a sharp contrast or simplicity needs to be emphasized.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between starkly and utterly?
Both starkly and utterly are relatively formal words that are not commonly used in casual conversation. However, utterly is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while starkly is more limited in its usage.
