Forthright: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ”
Add to dictionary

forthright

 

[ หˆfษ”หrฮธraษชt ]

Adjective
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?

arrow down
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?

arrow down
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

Translations of the word "forthright" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น franco

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคธเคพเคซเคผ-เคธเคพเคซเคผ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช aufrichtig

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ terus terang

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฒั–ะดะฒะตั€ั‚ะธะน

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ szczery

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ็Ž‡็›ดใช (sotchokuna)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท franc

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ franco

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท dรผrรผst

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์†”์งํ•œ (soljikhan)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุตุฑูŠุญ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ upล™รญmnรฝ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ รบprimnรฝ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ็›ด็Ž‡ (zhรญshuร i)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ odkrit

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ hreinskilinn

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฐัˆั‹า›

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒžแƒ˜แƒ แƒ“แƒแƒžแƒ˜แƒ แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ aรงฤฑq

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ franco

Etymology

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.