English Reference
Adverb

bluntly

adv. manner
B2 Upper Intermediate US /ˈbɫəntɫi/ UK /blˈʌntli/ blunt·ly

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.


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'.

Trade war?” Carney responded bluntly, “You’re at war when you get attacked.

Al Jazeera· 22 Aug 2026

Or to put it more bluntly, these are Szor and Abraham’s people.

The Guardian· 11 Sept 2026

From blunt + -ly.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Occasional
Updated