ENGLISH
REFERENCE

outspoken

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈaʊtˈspoʊkən// UK //aʊtspˈəʊkən// out·spo·ken

adj. saying exactly what you think in a direct and honest way, even if other people might not like it.

adj. characterised by directness and honesty in expressing opinions, especially when they are controversial or critical. Often used to describe public figures or activists.


SIMPLE

She is very outspoken about the need for better schools.

CONTEXTUAL

The politician's outspoken nature earned him many enemies, but his supporters admired his refusal to stay silent.

COMPLEX

Despite the risk of professional backlash, the scientist remained an outspoken critic of the government's environmental policies, frequently publishing articles that challenged the official narrative.

Synonyms
Origin

From outspeak, equivalent to out- + spoken.

Usage

Often used predicatively after linking verbs like 'be' or 'become', or attributively before nouns like 'critic' or 'advocate'.

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