Word
forthright
Phoneticsforth·right, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈfɔɹˈθɹaɪt/
UK/fˈɔːθɹaɪt/
Definitions
01direct and honest
C1 · Advanced Formal
adj. honest and direct in the way you speak, without trying to hide your true feelings.
adj. characterized by directness in manner or speech; without evasion or ambiguity.
“I appreciate your forthright opinion on the project, even though it was critical.”
“The CEO's forthright admission of the company's failures during the press conference surprised the investors, who were expecting a more defensive stance.”
Usage
Usually describes a person's manner, speech, or character.
Synonyms
02simple and plain
C2 · Proficiency Literary
adj. very simple and clear, without any extra or unnecessary details.
adj. markedly simple or straightforward in design or presentation.
“The report was written in a forthright style that everyone could understand.”
“The architect's forthright design for the community centre prioritised utility and light over ornamental flourishes.”
Usage
Often used to describe writing styles or physical designs.
03honestly and directly
C1 · Advanced Formal
adv. speaking in a way that is honest and does not hesitate.
adv. in a frank, unhesitating, or direct manner.
“She spoke forthright about the problems she saw in the new plan.”
“The witness answered each question forthright, leaving the jury with little doubt about the sequence of events.”
Usage
Typically follows the verb it modifies.
Antonyms
04moving straight ahead
C2 · Proficiency Archaic
adj. moving in a straight line forward.
adj. proceeding straight forth or in a direct line.
“The explorers followed a forthright path through the dense forest.”
“The ancient road provided a forthright connection between the two coastal cities, ignoring the natural curves of the hills.”
Teaching tip
This physical sense is rare in modern English; learners will almost always encounter the word in the context of honesty and speech.
Real-World Examples
“In Vicky Featherstone’s production for the Royal Lyceum and the National Theatre of Scotland , she is funny, sharp-tongued and sexually forthright.” “It’s a tender, poignant drama that is also candid and forthright, muscular in its effects.” “Fellow presenter Lorraine Kelly also paid tribute to Rantzen on social media for being a “pioneer and a force of nature – [who] helped so many people – funny, forthright and fabulous”.” “Startlingly funny, sad and hopeful, with a splendidly forthright heroine, this coming-of-age YA romance looks tenderly at sorrow and self-discovery.” Etymology
From Middle English forþright, forþriʒt, forþriht, from Old English forþriht (“direct, plain”). By surface analysis, forth + right.
From Middle English forthright, forþriʒt, forthricte, from Old English forþrihte (“straightway, at once, plainly”), from forþriht + -e (“adverbial suffix”). By surface analysis, forth + right.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- 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.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL 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: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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