outspoken
/aut'spoukn/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- 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
- 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
- given to expressing yourself freely or insistently
- outspoken in their opposition to segregation
- a vocal assembly