Word
Definition
adv. in a way that is honest and does not hide anything. You use this when someone speaks or acts without trying to keep secrets.
adv. in an honest and direct manner, without concealment or deception. Often used to describe public declarations or the expression of emotions.
Examples
“She spoke openly about her past mistakes.”
“The two companies are now openly competing for the same group of customers.”
“While many suspected a change in policy, the administration only recently began to openly acknowledge the necessity of structural reform.”
Examples
simple
“She spoke openly about her past mistakes.”
contextual
“The two companies are now openly competing for the same group of customers.”
complex
“While many suspected a change in policy, the administration only recently began to openly acknowledge the necessity of structural reform.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “openly” in context.
Verb
01. openly admit the mistake
“It takes a lot of courage to openly admit the mistake in front of your colleagues.”
adv + verb + noun
02. openly criticize the decision
“Several members of the board chose to openly criticize the decision to cut funding.”
adv + verb + noun
03. openly defy the rules
“The students were warned not to openly defy the rules regarding mobile phone use.”
adv + verb + noun
04. openly discuss the plans
“The committee decided to openly discuss the plans for the new community center.”
adv + verb + noun
05. speak openly about the problem
“The manager encouraged the staff to speak openly about the problem during the meeting.”
verb + adv + prep + noun
06. weep openly
“Many people in the crowd began to weep openly when the memorial service began.”
verb + adv
Adjective
07. openly gay
“He was one of the first openly gay politicians to be elected to the city council.”
adv + adj
08. openly hostile to the idea
“The local residents were openly hostile to the idea of building a new highway.”
adv + adj + prep + noun
Usage
Typically placed after the verb it modifies or at the end of the clause.
Real-World Examples
“Only there can one choose to adopt an openly gay or trans lifestyle.” “They were among the earliest well-known gay couples living openly in Hollywood.” Etymology
From open + -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
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/openly
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「日本語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0