outspokenness
/aut'spouknnis/
Definition
Noun: 1. The quality or trait of being frank, direct, and unreserved in speech; bluntness. It describes a person's characteristic of expressing opinions or thoughts honestly and without hesitation, even when they might be unwelcome or controversial.
Usage
"Outspokenness" is used to describe a consistent personal quality or character trait. It is typically a neutral or positive term, though context can determine if it is viewed as admirable candor or undesirable tactlessness. It often collocates with verbs like "admire," "appreciate," "demonstrate," "criticize," or "temper."
Examples
- Her outspokenness on environmental issues made her a respected but controversial figure.
- The manager valued his assistant's outspokenness during meetings, as it often revealed unaddressed problems.
- While his outspokenness was refreshing, it sometimes offended more sensitive colleagues.
- The politician's outspokenness cost him some support among moderate voters.
Advanced Usage
- "A reputation for outspokenness": A commonly recognized trait that someone is known for.
- She had a well-earned reputation for outspokenness on matters of social justice.
- "To temper one's outspokenness": To moderate or soften one's naturally direct manner of speaking.
- He learned to temper his outspokenness with diplomacy as he advanced in his career.
Variants and Related Words
- Outspoken (adj): Characterized by direct and frank speech.
- She is an outspoken critic of the policy.
- Frankness (n): The quality of being open, honest, and direct in speech or writing. (A close synonym, but can be slightly less forceful than "outspokenness").
- Candor (n): The quality of being open and honest in expression; frankness. (Often has a more positive connotation).
- Bluntness (n): The quality of saying what you think without trying to be polite or considering other people's feelings. (Can have a more negative connotation than "outspokenness").
Synonyms
- Frankness
- Candor
- Directness
- Bluntness
- Forthrightness
Antonyms
- Tact
- Diplomacy
- Reserve
- Reticence
- Evasiveness
Noun
-
the trait of being blunt and outspoken
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