utterly horrified

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "utterly horrified" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a strong feeling of shock or disgust in response to something disturbing or alarming. Example: "When she saw the aftermath of the accident, she was utterly horrified by the scene before her."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

He was utterly horrified.

The New Yorker

The west is both transfixed and utterly horrified by China's rapid development, and the fashion world, as much as it would like to see itself as the final frontier for nonconformity, is no different.

The Guardian - Opinion

Dear friends and family, Jen and I are utterly horrified to announce the arrival of our son, Jasper Heusen-­Gravenstein, born May 21st at 4 56 A.M. For nine long months, we've wondered who this little creature would be.

The New Yorker

By Kira Garcia June 30, 2016 Dear friends and family, Jen and I are utterly horrified to announce the arrival of our son, Jasper Heusen-­Gravenstein, born May 21st at 4 56 A.M. For nine long months, we've wondered who this little creature would be.

The New Yorker

He might not know it yet, he might be utterly horrified by every little twitch and gurgle in his heart and loins as he whips around the track, fervently wishing he'd been born anywhere but Kentucky or Kansas or Tennessee, but gay he is.

Huffington Post

The world that Eisenhower predicted has come true in ways that would leave him utterly horrified.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

William Friedkin's 1973 classic is, says Marty, "as utterly horrifying as it was the day it came out".

The Guardian - Film

One place below comes The Exorcist, made by Scorsese's fellow Hollywood New Waver William Friedkin, which he decribes as "utterly horrifying as it was the day it came out".

The Guardian - Film

Rees-Mogg, deputy chairman, described the programme as "totally unacceptable"; Lady Faulkner said she had been "frightened" when viewing the film and thought its contents were "utterly horrifying".

The Guardian

When he vents his fury on the pornographer, it's an utterly horrifying sequence – not only because of the graphic violence, but because Maskell gives an authentic impression of a soul in torment.

Independent

South African crimes of sexual violence are utterly horrifying.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "utterly horrified" to express a strong, immediate reaction to something deeply disturbing or shocking. It conveys a sense of complete dismay and often implies a moral or emotional violation.

Common error

Avoid using "utterly horrified" to describe minor inconveniences or slight disappointments. The intensity of the phrase should match the severity of the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "utterly horrified" functions as an adjectival phrase. 'Utterly' modifies 'horrified,' intensifying the adjective. Ludwig examples show it describing a state of extreme shock or disgust. The Ludwig AI confirms it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "utterly horrified" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that denotes a strong feeling of shock, disgust, or dismay. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for describing situations that evoke significant emotional disturbance. Its usage is most common in news and media contexts, indicating a neutral register. Alternatives like "completely appalled" or "totally shocked" can be used to convey similar meanings. When employing this phrase, ensure the intensity aligns with the situation to avoid overstatement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

completely horrified

Replacing 'utterly' with 'completely' provides a direct synonym while maintaining the same meaning and intensity.

completely appalled

This alternative emphasizes the feeling of being disgusted and shocked, focusing on a strong sense of moral outrage.

utterly aghast

This option, similar in structure to the query, intensifies the feeling of shock and amazement combined with terror.

totally shocked

This alternative highlights the surprise and disbelief associated with a sudden, negative revelation.

profoundly shocked

Using 'profoundly' adds a layer of depth to the shock, indicating a lasting and significant impact.

absolutely dismayed

This phrase focuses on the disappointment and discouragement resulting from something unexpected and negative.

thoroughly disgusted

This alternative emphasizes the feeling of revulsion and strong dislike.

totally repulsed

This alternative centers on the feeling of extreme aversion and disgust, suggesting a strong desire to avoid something.

extremely alarmed

This phrase highlights the sense of danger and apprehension caused by a disturbing event.

deeply disturbed

This alternative emphasizes the unsettling and emotionally upsetting nature of the experience.

FAQs

How can I use "utterly horrified" in a sentence?

You can use "utterly horrified" to describe a strong feeling of shock or disgust in response to something alarming. For example, "She was "utterly horrified" by the graphic images in the news report".

What's a less intense alternative to "utterly horrified"?

If you want to express a milder reaction, consider using phrases like "slightly shocked", "somewhat dismayed", or "a little taken aback".

What's the difference between "utterly horrified" and "completely surprised"?

"Utterly horrified" indicates a negative reaction involving shock, disgust, and dismay. "Completely surprised", on the other hand, simply means experiencing unexpected astonishment, without necessarily implying a negative emotion.

Which is more intense, "utterly horrified" or "slightly horrified"?

"Utterly horrified" is significantly more intense. The adverb "utterly" amplifies the feeling of horror, whereas "slightly horrified" suggests a mild level of shock or aversion.