Openly: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ”“
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openly

 

[หˆoสŠpษ™nli ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adverb

in public view

In a way that is easily seen or known, without hiding anything.

Synonyms

frankly, honestly, publicly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
openly

Used when expressing something without hiding it or keeping it secret.

  • He openly discussed his financial troubles.
  • They openly showed their affection for each other.
publicly

Used when expressing something in front of an audience or in a way that everyone can see or hear.

  • The CEO publicly announced the new company policy.
  • He was publicly criticized for his comments.
frankly

Used when expressing an opinion or feeling in a direct and straightforward manner.

  • Frankly, I don't think it will work.
  • She spoke frankly about her dissatisfaction with the project.
honestly

Used when expressing the truth, especially about one's feelings or thoughts.

  • Honestly, I didn't like the movie.
  • To be honest, I think you're making a mistake.

Examples of usage

  • She openly admitted her mistake.
  • He openly expressed his feelings towards her.
  • The company openly supports diversity and inclusion.
Context #2 | Adverb

without concealment or deception

In a way that does not involve hiding one's true feelings or opinions.

Synonyms

candidly, forthrightly, transparently.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
openly

Use in general situations where someone is clear and honest without hiding anything.

  • She spoke openly about her struggles with anxiety
  • The company openly discussed its policies with the employees
candidly

Use when someone is being honest and direct, often in personal or serious conversations.

  • He candidly shared his thoughts about the new project
  • She spoke candidly about her difficult relationship with her parents
forthrightly

Use when someone expresses themselves in a straightforward and direct manner, sometimes with a connotation of bluntness.

  • She answered the questions forthrightly without trying to sugar-coat anything
  • The senator forthrightly addressed the allegations
transparently

Use in situations involving clarity and openness, especially in organizational or formal settings where it is important to show that nothing is hidden.

  • The government needs to act transparently to regain public trust
  • The financial records were shared transparently with the investors

Examples of usage

  • He spoke openly about his concerns.
  • She always behaves openly and honestly.
  • They are known for dealing openly with their customers.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Old English 'openian,' which means to open or to reveal.
  • The suffix '-ly' turns adjectives into adverbs, indicating how something is done, like quickly or happily.

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, being open and transparent is seen as a sign of trustworthiness and integrity.
  • Openly sharing thoughts and feelings can lead to stronger relationships and better communication.

Psychology

  • Openly discussing feelings can reduce anxiety and foster emotional well-being.
  • Research suggests that people who express themselves openly have better social support and overall happiness.

Literature

  • Many authors use characters that speak openly as a way to reveal their thoughts, making the story more engaging.
  • In poetry, openness is often a theme that explores vulnerability and truth in human experience.

Social Movements

  • Various movements advocate for openly discussing sexual orientation and gender identity, promoting acceptance and understanding.
  • The concept of openly challenging social norms has led to significant changes in public policy and societal attitudes over time.

Translations

Translations of the word "openly" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น abertamente

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค–เฅเคฒเฅ‡เค†เคฎ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช offen

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ terbuka

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฒั–ะดะบั€ะธั‚ะพ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ otwarcie

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๅ…ฌ็„ถใจ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท ouvertement

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ abiertamente

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท aรงฤฑkรงa

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๊ณต๊ฐœ์ ์œผ๋กœ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุจุดูƒู„ ุนู„ู†ูŠ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ otevล™enฤ›

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ otvorene

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅ…ฌๅผ€ๅœฐ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ odprto

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ opinskรกtt

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฐัˆั‹า›

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒฆแƒ˜แƒแƒ“

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ aรงฤฑq ลŸษ™kildษ™

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ abiertamente

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,581 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.