plain-speaking
Without verbal flourishes
Plain-speaking describes direct, honest communication without evasion or euphemism.
A plain-speaking person says what they mean clearly, even when it might be uncomfortable: She appreciated his plain-speaking about the company's problems.
The term carries approval—plain-speaking is a virtue, not rudeness.
Dull or tactlessly direct
- forthrightDirectly honest in manner
- straightforwardClear and uncomplicated
- frankOpen and direct
- outspokenFreely expressing opinions
point-blank · no-nonsense · matter-of-fact · unequivocal · unambiguous · unreserved · unvarnished · candid
Easy to understand
- unadornedLacking decoration or ornament
- unembellishedWithout decorative additions
- simpleFree of complexity
- clearWithout obstruction or fog
lucid · intelligible · accessible · unpretentious · homespun · folksy · vernacular · colloquial
Truly what it claims
- sincereGenuinely felt, not feigned
- heartfeltDeeply and sincerely meant
- earnestSincerely intense in purpose
- honestFree from deception
authentic · unfeigned · guileless · truthful · transparent · unpretentious · down-to-earth · unaffected
blunt
Dull or tactlessly direct
- forthrightDirectly honest in manner
- straightforwardClear and uncomplicated
- frankOpen and direct
outspoken · point-blank · no-nonsense · matter-of-fact · unequivocal · unambiguous · unreserved · unvarnished · candid · upfront
uncomplicated
Easy to understand
- unadornedLacking decoration or ornament
- unembellishedWithout decorative additions
- simpleFree of complexity
clear · lucid · intelligible · accessible · unpretentious · homespun · folksy · vernacular · colloquial · everyday
genuine
Truly what it claims
- sincereGenuinely felt, not feigned
- heartfeltDeeply and sincerely meant
- earnestSincerely intense in purpose
honest · authentic · unfeigned · guileless · truthful · transparent · unpretentious · down-to-earth · unaffected · artless
- honestyhonesty, truthfulness, candor, sincerity, dishonesty
plain-speakingevasive
Avoiding direct response
indirect · circumlocutory · equivocating · oblique · mealy-mouthed
plain-speakingdiplomatic
Tactful and sensitive
tactful · politic · discreet · circumspect · delicate
plain, speak, speech, explain, speaker, spoken, speaking, complaint, plainly