Crossword Genius

Total state (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

utter

I believe this is a double definition.

'total' is the first definition.
(I know that total can be written as utter)

'state' is the second definition.
(both can mean to say)

(Other definitions for utter that I've seen before include "Total - speak" , "Say the words" , "Positive" , "Speak, articulate" , "Pure" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph and The Mirror.
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