Word
bluntly
Phoneticsblunt·ly, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈbɫəntɫi/
UK/blˈʌntli/
Adverb of manner
Definition
adv. in a way that is very direct and honest, even if it might upset someone. You use this when you say exactly what you think without trying to be polite.
adv. in a direct, honest, and often uncompromising manner that disregards the feelings of others. Typically describes a style of speech or writing that avoids euphemism.
Examples
“She told him bluntly that his work was not good enough.”
“To put it bluntly, the company will go bankrupt if we do not cut costs immediately.”
“The report stated bluntly that the current infrastructure was entirely inadequate for the projected population growth, offering no diplomatic cushion for the local administration.”
Examples
simple
“She told him bluntly that his work was not good enough.”
contextual
“To put it bluntly, the company will go bankrupt if we do not cut costs immediately.”
complex
“The report stated bluntly that the current infrastructure was entirely inadequate for the projected population growth, offering no diplomatic cushion for the local administration.”
Usage
Often used to introduce a harsh truth using the phrase 'to put it bluntly'.
Real-World Examples
“Trade war?”
Carney responded bluntly, “You’re at war when you get attacked.” “Or to put it more bluntly, these are Szor and Abraham’s people.” Etymology
From blunt + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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