outspoken adjective - Definition, pictures, pronunciation and usage notes | Oxford Advanced American Dictionary at OxfordLearnersDictionaries.com

Definition of outspoken adjective from the Oxford Advanced American Dictionary

 

outspoken

 adjective
adjective
NAmE//ˌaʊtˈspoʊkən//
 
 
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saying exactly what you think, even if this shocks or offends people synonym blunt an outspoken opponent of the leader outspoken comments outspoken in something She was outspoken in her criticism of the plan. Thesaurushonest
  • direct
  • open
  • outspoken
  • straight
  • blunt
  • frank
These words all describe people saying exactly what they mean without trying to hide feelings, opinions, or facts.
  • honest not hiding the truth about something:Thank you for being so honest with me.
  • direct saying exactly what you mean in a way that nobody can pretend not to understand:You'll have to get used to his direct manner. Being direct is sometimes considered positive but sometimes it is used as a “polite” way of saying that someone is rude.
  • open (approving) (of a person) not keeping thoughts and feelings hidden:He was quite open about his reasons for leaving.
  • outspoken saying exactly what you think, even if this shocks or offends people:She was outspoken in her criticism of the plan.
  • straight honest and direct:I don't think you're being straight with me.
  • blunt saying exactly what you think without trying to be polite:She has a reputation for being blunt.
  • frank (somewhat formal) honest in what you say, sometimes in a way that other people might not like:To be frank with you, I think your son has little chance of passing the exam.
which word?
  • Honest and frank refer to what you say as much as how you say it:a(n) honest/frank admission of guilt. They are generally positive words, although it is possible to be too frank in a way that other people might not like. Direct, outspoken, and blunt all describe someone's manner of saying what they think. Outspoken suggests that you are willing to shock people by saying what you believe to be right. Blunt and direct often suggest that you think honesty is more important than being polite. Open is positive and describes someone's character:I'm a very open person.
Patterns
  • honest/direct/open/outspoken/straight/frank about something
  • honest/direct/open/straight/blunt/frank with somebody
  • a(n) honest/direct/straight/blunt answer
  • a direct/blunt/frank manner
 
adverb outspokenly critical
outspokenness
 
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noun [uncountable] I admire his outspokenness.
See outspoken in the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary