Upfront
adj.thoughtful, capableeveryday
Meaning 1
Open and direct about relevant facts, intentions, or difficulties.
Reach for it when Praising early honesty that lets others make an informed choice.
The builder was upfront about the delay before accepting a deposit.
Choose between these
4- warm
communication avoids games or concealment
not when can describe simplicity rather than honesty
- professional
relevant information and process are visible
not when may concern systems more than personal candor
- formal
honest opinion is shared without disguise
not when not necessarily shared early
- formal
difficult facts are stated plainly
not when can sound blunt rather than considerate
Meaning 2
Paid, stated, or required at the beginning.
Reach for it when Describing a cost, commitment, or benefit that occurs before later stages.
The cooperative charges no upfront fee for the training course.
Choose between these
3- everyday
initial
the first-stage amount or step is meant
not when an initial cost may not be prepaid
- professional
payment or notice occurs before the main event
not when does not always mean at the very beginning
- professional
prepaid
money is paid before use
not when narrower than an upfront commitment or disclosure
Said against
3- evasive
- deceptive
- deferred
It naturally appears in
3- be upfront
Please be upfront about which repairs can wait.
- upfront explanation
An upfront explanation of the risks earned the family's trust.
- upfront cost
The upfront cost is higher, but repairs are included for ten years.
Where this comes from
- wiktionary, adjective informal: frank and honest opens in a new tab for meaning 1 · retrieved 2026-07-26
- wiktionary, adjective: occurring or paid in advance opens in a new tab for meaning 2 · retrieved 2026-07-26
The definition and the example on this page are written here. The dictionaries above ground which meaning is being described, not the wording.