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forthright

forthright

32 5.5
Being direct and honest when talking or acting
  • adjective
  • /ˈfɔrθraɪt/
translation icon : franco
  • Thank you for being honest and forthright with me.
  • honest and forthright
  • forthright manner
  • forthright response

You have been so forthright, so inclusive.

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Examples

  • Better Help is a real and forthright group that will assess your needs and match you with your own licensed professional therapist.

  • You can feel completely free to answer my questions in a totally honest and forthright fashion.

  • Please excuse me for being so forthright, miss, but that is the most beautiful dress that you are wearing.

  • When asked, he is nothing but forthright about what he knows.

    Fiction book (2002)
  • People were very forthright in saying that the priority for our care should be our own people.

  • You have been so forthright, so inclusive.

  • Followers expect their leaders to be trustworthy, honest, forthright, and full of integrity.

    Academic text (1991)
  • I love the way Wil Wheaton is so forthright and honest about his difficulties and about depression.

  • The Dehai dialogue on gender issues has been forthright and, at times, amusing.

    Academic text (1996)
  • Thank you for being forthright and honest with me.

Synonyms

honest
vsforthright
1.0

Truthful and fair, not cheating or lying

emphasizes directness and plain speech rather than general fairness or genuineness
straight
vsforthright
388 1.4

Honest and direct in what they say

is more about open directness in saying or doing things without concealment
direct
vsforthright
302 3.5

Honest and clear in speech or action

is more about being open and honest in action or speech
frank
vsforthright
104 3.4

Open and honest when giving opinions or feelings

is broader in scope applying to words and actions without hiding truth
blunt
vsforthright
100 3.8

Speaking in a direct, plain way that can sound rude

is honest and direct while avoiding implied rudeness or harshness
plain
vsforthright
89 2.0

Said in a simple, direct way without hiding the truth

is about direct honesty in doing or saying things rather than style only
candid
vsforthright
83 4.6

Open and honest, telling the truth even when it is hard

is more neutral meaning plain honesty without stressing difficulty or embarrassment
outspoken
vsforthright
78 4.2

To speak freely and directly about opinions or feelings

is about direct honesty in words or actions rather than frequency of speech
upfront
vsforthright
59 4.3

Honest and direct about feelings or plans

is more general covering plain honesty in actions as well as declared feelings
straightforward
vsforthright
51 3.6

Someone who is honest and direct, not hiding anything

is used for both saying and doing things without hiding truth
point-blank
vsforthright
19 5.6

Direct and blunt without trying to hide the truth

is similar in truth telling but usually less abrupt or potentially offensive
plainspoken
vsforthright
3 4.3

Speaking simply and honestly without hiding meaning

is broader meaning plain honesty in both speech and behaviour not only style
straight-shooting
vsforthright
  • Informal
1 6.3

Someone who speaks clearly and honestly without hiding things

is similar but applies equally to words and actions without hiding truth
free-spoken
vsforthright
  • Archaic
7.1

Speaking in a direct and open way without hiding opinions

focuses more on honesty of message rather than freedom of expression
flatfooted
vsforthright
7.5

Direct and clear without hiding anything

is similar but adds honest motivation and intent to direct words or actions
straight-from-the-shoulder
vsforthright
  • Informal
7.7

Direct and honest in speech that does not hide what you think

is more generally honest without implying bluntness or lack of subtlety

Antonyms

128 2.5

Likely to lie or cheat to get something for yourself

25 7.3

Not giving a direct answer to hide the truth or avoid commitment

How Direct

blunt
100 3.8
forthright
32 5.5
candid
83 4.6

Surface Forms

forthright positive

Morphology

forthright = right (semi-transparent) = forth + right

The components 'forth' (forward) + 'right' (straight) transparently yield the idea of 'direct', but the additional sense of candid honesty is an extended meaning, so the relation is not fully literal. [Postprocessing: moved 'forth' from base_words to prefix]

Etymology

The word forthright comes from the old parts forth ('forward') and right ('straight'). So to be forthright is to speak or act 'direct' and 'honest', like walking straight ahead without turning away.