Forthright Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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forthright

[ˈfɔːrθraɪt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

honest

Direct and outspoken in a straightforward manner without hesitation or evasion.

Synonyms

blunt, candid, direct, frank, straightforward.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
forthright	Used when someone is honest and straightforward, often in a way that is courageous and without hesitation. She was forthright in her criticism of the project. His forthright manner can sometimes be intimidating.
frank	Used when someone is open and honest, especially when the truth might be unpleasant. To be frank, I don't think this plan will work. Her frank admission took everyone by surprise.
candid	Used when someone is open and honest, often in a sincere and refreshing way. He gave a candid interview about his experience. Her candid feedback was appreciated.
direct	Used when someone communicates in a clear and straightforward manner without beating around the bush. She was direct in her approach to resolving the issue. His direct questions made everyone uncomfortable.
straightforward	Used when someone is honest and clear, without any ambiguity or hidden meaning. The instructions were straightforward and easy to follow. His straightforward explanations helped clarify the concept.
blunt	Used when someone is extremely straightforward, sometimes to the point of being rude or insensitive. He was blunt about his thoughts on the new policy. Her blunt remarks often offend people.

Examples of usage

She appreciated his forthright approach to the problem.
He is known for his forthright opinions on the matter.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

behavior

Characterized by directness in manner or speech; without subtlety or evasion.

Synonyms

bold, candid, honest, open, plain-spoken.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
forthright	Used when someone is direct and straightforward in their manner and speech, often in a positive way. She was forthright in her comments about the new policy. His forthright approach made it easy to understand the problem.
open	Used when someone is accessible and willing to share their thoughts or feelings without hiding anything. Often indicates transparency. She was open about her struggles and how she overcame them. We need to have an open discussion about this issue.
honest	Used when someone is truthful and sincere, emphasizing integrity and moral soundness. I appreciate your honest feedback. He's known for being honest in all his dealings.
candid	Used when someone is open and honest, often in a way that is refreshingly truthful. Can be used in both positive and neutral contexts. She offered her candid opinion about the situation. His candid photos reveal the truth behind the scenes.
bold	Used when someone shows courage or a willingness to take risks. The term can sometimes imply a certain audacity or bravery. She made a bold move by starting her own company. His bold statement surprised everyone at the meeting.
plain-spoken	Used when someone speaks in a straightforward and uncomplicated manner, often appreciated for its clarity. His plain-spoken advice was exactly what I needed. The instructions were plain-spoken and easy to follow.

Examples of usage

She admired his forthright behavior during the meeting.
The company's forthright communication strategy impressed everyone.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Communication Styles

Forthrightness is often associated with transparency, which is considered a key trait for effective communication in personal and professional relationships.
In some cultures, being forthright may be viewed positively as a sign of integrity, while in others, it could be seen as too blunt or rude.

Psychology

People who communicate forthrightly may foster deeper connections with others due to their perceived honesty and reliability.
Research suggests that forthright communication can lead to higher levels of trust and lower misunderstandings in relationships.

Literature

Literary characters who are forthright often serve as a moral compass, revealing truths that other characters may be reluctant to confront.
This quality is prevalent in many classic works, illustrating the tension between societal expectations and personal honesty.

Ethics

In ethical discussions, forthrightness can be a principle in debates about honesty, advocating for clarity about one's motives and actions.
Forthright communication in ethical frameworks is often essential in professional settings, such as medicine or law, to maintain trust and accountability.

Origin of 'forthright'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from Middle English, combining 'forth' (meaning forward) and 'right', hinting at the idea of moving straight ahead without beating around the bush.
Originally used in the late 14th century, its meanings have evolved to emphasize clarity and directness in communication.

The word 'forthright' originated from Middle English in the late 16th century. It combines 'forth' and 'right', suggesting honesty and directness. Over time, the word has retained its essence of straightforwardness and honesty, becoming a valuable term to describe sincere and frank communication.

See also: forth, forthcome, forthrightly.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,205, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

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