# outspoken

/ˈaʊtˈspoʊkən/ (US) · /aʊtspˈəʊkən/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/outspoken
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. boldly honest

adjective · CEFR B2

saying what you think in a very direct and honest way, especially about important or difficult topics.

For teachers: expressing opinions in a direct, frank, and often forceful manner, particularly when those views are controversial or critical.

- She is an outspoken critic of the new law and often speaks on the news.
- The professor was known for being outspoken regarding university policy, frequently challenging the administration during public faculty meetings.

Usage: Usually used to describe people or their public comments and criticisms.

Teaching tip: While 'outspoken' can be a compliment for someone's courage, it can sometimes imply that the person is too loud or aggressive with their opinions depending on the context.

## Examples

- She is very outspoken about the need for better schools.
- The politician's outspoken nature earned him many enemies, but his supporters admired his refusal to stay silent.
- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.