Forthright
What it means
Directly honest without concealment or evasive wording.
Reach for it when praising a person or explanation for making the truth easy to understand
Her forthright account of the delay helped the partners reset the schedule.
Words to choose between 8
| playful | |
|---|---|
| everyday | |
| warm | |
| professional |
|
| formal |
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playful
Fits when practical directness is wanted in an informal description
Careful It can make warmth and nuance disappear from the compliment.
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everyday
Fits when the message reaches the point without detours
Careful Direct speech can be tactless or even dishonest.
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everyday
Fits when an honest conversation may include uncomfortable facts
Careful Frank can feel personal or blunt where forthright signals constructive clarity.
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warm
Fits when honesty should sound accessible and unpretentious
Careful It describes simple style more than willingness to disclose hard truths.
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professional
Fits when openness about weaknesses or opinions is valued
Careful Candid may disclose freely without being especially direct.
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professional
Fits when clarity and lack of complication are central
Careful A straightforward task or answer need not involve moral honesty.
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professional
Fits when processes, motives, or evidence are visible to others
Careful Transparent is overused for individuals and does not always mean outspoken.
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formal
Fits when someone voices views publicly and without fear
Careful Outspoken can suggest frequent criticism rather than measured honesty.
Opposites 3
- evasive
- deceptive
- guarded
Common phrases 3
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forthright answer
His forthright answer clarified both the cost and the remaining risk.
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forthright manner
A forthright manner made the new director easy to trust.
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forthright discussion
The forthright discussion prevented another month of vague promises.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Vealhurl, Southern England accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 Updated