ENGLISH
REFERENCE

straightforward

adj. · adv.
US //ˈstɹeɪtˈfɔɹwɝd// UK //stɹeɪtfˈɔːwəd// straight·for·ward
  1. 1 easy and simple (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    easy to do or understand; not complicated.

    uncomplicated and easy to perform or comprehend; lacking complexity.

    Example

    The instructions for the new coffee machine were very straightforward.

    Example

    The assembly process was surprisingly straightforward, requiring only a single tool and less than twenty minutes of focused effort.
  2. 2 honest and direct (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    honest and open about what you think, without trying to hide anything.

    direct and honest in communication; free from ambiguity or evasiveness.

    Example

    I appreciate his straightforward way of talking about the problem.

    Example

    The CEO gave a straightforward account of the company's financial difficulties, earning the respect of the shareholders through her transparency.
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  1. 3 moving in a straight line (adj.)
    C2 Proficiency Literary

    moving or pointing in a straight direction.

    proceeding in a straight course without deviation.

    Example

    The path through the forest was straightforward and easy to follow.

    Example

    The road offered a straightforward trajectory across the plains, stretching toward the horizon without a single curve for miles.
  2. 4 in a direct way (adv.)
    C2 Proficiency Formal

    in a direct or honest manner.

    in a direct, honest, or uncomplicated manner; often replaced by 'straightforwardly' in modern usage.

    Example

    He looked at her straightforward and told her the truth.

    Example

    The witness answered each question straightforward, refusing to be rattled by the prosecutor's aggressive line of inquiry.
Origin

From straight + forward.

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