Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Frank and direct in speech or expression: Describes a person who expresses their opinions and thoughts openly, honestly, and without hesitation or concern for causing offense.
   • Openly and publicly declared: Describes opinions, criticism, or views that are stated in a clear, unambiguous, and public manner.

Usage

• As an attribute (before a noun): Used to describe a person or their manner of communication.
  • She is an outspoken critic of the government's policies.
  • His outspoken remarks often get him into trouble.
• As a predicative (after a linking verb like 'be', 'become'): Used to describe the state or quality of a person.
  • The activist was outspoken about environmental issues.
  • He has become more outspoken in his views.

Examples

• Describing a person's character:
  • The journalist was known for being outspoken and fearless.
  • We need more outspoken leaders who are not afraid to tell the truth.
• Describing statements or criticism:
  • She published an outspoken editorial on corruption.
  • His outspoken opposition to the war was widely reported.

Advanced Usage

• "To be outspoken in one's [criticism/support/opposition]": To express a particular opinion very openly and forcefully.
  • The senator was outspoken in her criticism of the new law.
  • He has been outspoken in his support for the reform movement.
• Comparative and Superlative Forms: "more outspoken", "most outspoken".
  • As she grew older, she became more outspoken.
  • He is the most outspoken member of the committee.

Variants and Related Words

• Outspokenly (adverb): In a frank and direct manner.
  • She argued outspokenly for human rights.
• Outspokenness (noun): The quality of being frank and direct in speech.
  • His outspokenness is both admired and criticized.

Synonyms

• Frank: Open and honest in expression.
• Candid: Truthful and straightforward, especially when speaking.
• Forthright: Direct and without evasion.
• Blunt: Very direct, sometimes to the point of rudeness.
• Vocal: Expressing opinions loudly and freely.

Antonyms

• Reserved: Slow to reveal one's thoughts or feelings.
• Taciturn: Saying little; reserved in speech.
• Reticent: Not revealing one's thoughts or feelings readily.
• Guarded: Cautious and non-committal in speech.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• To speak one's mind: To say exactly what one thinks, frankly and directly. This is a common phrase describing the behavior of an outspoken person.
  • She always speaks her mind, even when her opinion is unpopular.

Adjective

1. characterized by directness in manner or speech; without subtlety or evasion
   • blunt talking and straight shooting
   • a blunt New England farmer
   • I gave them my candid opinion
   • forthright criticism
   • a forthright approach to the problem
   • tell me what you think--and you may just as well be frank
   • it is possible to be outspoken without being rude
   • plainspoken and to the point
   • a point-blank accusation
2. given to expressing yourself freely or insistently
   • outspoken in their opposition to segregation
   • a vocal assembly