Openly
What it means
Without concealment, in a direct and honest manner.
Reach for it when describing transparent speech, feeling, support, or acknowledgment
The manager spoke openly about the error and the steps needed to correct it.
Words to choose between 6
| everyday | |
|---|---|
| professional |
|
| formal |
-
everyday
Fits when plain direct speech is needed
Careful Frankly can introduce criticism and sound sharper.
-
everyday
plainly
Fits when the message is clear and undisguised
Careful Plainly can concern clarity without voluntary disclosure.
-
professional
candidly
Fits when honest detail is shared despite discomfort
Careful Candor can be private; openly may also mean publicly.
-
professional
Fits when process and reasons are inspectable
Careful Transparent procedure is more specific than open speech.
-
formal
publicly
Fits when others can know the statement
Careful Publicly says nothing about honesty or completeness.
-
formal
unreservedly
Fits when support is expressed without qualification
Careful Unreservedly overstates openness when sensible boundaries remain.
Opposites 3
- secretly
- evasively
- guardedly
Common phrases 3
-
speak openly
Students could speak openly without being mocked for uncertainty.
-
openly acknowledge
The report will openly acknowledge where evidence is incomplete.
-
openly support
Several businesses openly support the evening bus campaign.
Word family 2
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Dvortygirl, American accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 Updated