blurt out
Verb: - To say something suddenly and without thinking, often revealing information that was not intended to be shared. It implies a lack of forethought or control over one's speech.
The verb "blurt out" is used to describe the act of speaking impulsively. It is a phrasal verb where "blurt" is the main verb and "out" is a particle. It is typically transitive and requires a direct object (the thing that is said). - It often carries a slightly negative connotation, suggesting the speaker did not mean to say what they did or that it was tactless. - It is commonly used in past tense forms (e.g., blurted out).
- "to blurt something out": This is the standard structure. The direct object ("something") can be placed between "blurt" and "out" or after the entire phrasal verb.
- He blurted the secret out. (Less common but grammatically correct)
- He blurted out the secret. (More common)
- Blurt (verb): A less common, shorter form with the same meaning. It is almost always used with "out" in modern English.
- He blurted the secret. (This usage is possible but "blurted out" is far more frequent.)
- Blunder out: To utter clumsily or stupidly.
- Ejaculate: To say something suddenly and briefly (formal/literary).
- Exclaim: To cry out suddenly, especially in surprise or emotion.
- Let slip: To reveal information accidentally.
(As "blurt out" is itself a phrasal verb, this section lists other phrasal verbs related to speaking impulsively or revealing information.) - Spill out: (Of words or emotions) to be expressed in an uncontrolled way. - All her anxieties spilled out at once. - Come out with: To say something, especially something surprising or rude. - You never know what he'll come out with next.
- Let the cat out of the bag: To reveal a secret, often accidentally.
- I let the cat out of the bag about the surprise party.
- Spill the beans: To reveal secret information.
- Who spilled the beans about our plans?
- utter impulsively
- He blurted out the secret
- He blundered his stupid ideas