Clear-spoken
adj.thoughtful, kindformal
What it means
Speaking plainly and in language that is easy to understand.
Reach for it when praising direct, comprehensible speech in deliberately uncommon wording
The clear-spoken witness separated what she saw from what she later inferred.
Choose between these
6- everyday
the speaker reaches the point without detours
not when Direct speech can be cryptic, tactless, or difficult to understand.
- everyday
frank, simple language is the intended standard form
not when Plainspoken emphasizes candor and can sound blunt.
- professional
ideas are expressed fluently and coherently
not when Articulate may imply polish or eloquence beyond simple clear speech.
- professional
listeners can understand the words or meaning
not when Intelligible is a low threshold and carries no praise for style or candor.
- formal
the explanation has a clear logical structure
not when Lucid fits speech or writing but says little about honesty.
- literary
open expression of a difficult view deserves emphasis
not when Forthright speech can feel confrontational while remaining hard to follow.
Said against
3- inarticulate
- evasive
- muddled
It naturally appears in
3- clear-spoken witness
The clear-spoken witness made the timeline easy to follow.
- clear-spoken explanation
His clear-spoken explanation avoided both jargon and false certainty.
- clear-spoken manner
Her clear-spoken manner invited questions instead of ending discussion.
Usage notes
No standalone modern Merriam-Webster entry was located for clear-spoken. The cited plainspoken entry grounds the nearest standard form; clear-spoken remains rare.