plain-spoken
Without verbal flourishes
Plain-spoken describes someone who says what they mean directly, without euphemism or diplomatic hedging.
A plain-spoken person doesn't soften criticism or dress up opinions: My grandmother was plain-spoken—if she thought you were making a mistake, she'd tell you.
The term is generally approving, suggesting honesty over rudeness.
Directly honest in manner
- candidHonest and direct
- straightforwardClear and uncomplicated
- bluntDull or tactlessly direct
- frankOpen and direct
upfront · unequivocal · point-blank · matter-of-fact · no-nonsense · unreserved · unvarnished · unfiltered
Genuinely felt, not feigned
- truthfulAccurate and sincere
- genuineTruly what it claims
- honestFree from deception
- authenticVerified as original
guileless · artless · ingenuous · open · transparent · trustworthy · veracious · heartfelt
Without obstruction or fog
- lucidMentally sharp and comprehensible
- intelligibleCapable of being understood
- understandableAble to be grasped
- comprehensibleAble to be understood
articulate · coherent · explicit · unambiguous · readable · perspicuous · crisp · precise
Lacking false superiority
- unadornedLacking decoration or ornament
- unembellishedWithout decorative additions
- homespunPlain and unpretentious
- down-to-earthPractical and without pretension
uncomplicated · unassuming · simple · folksy · modest · understated · unaffected · unsophisticated
forthright
Directly honest in manner
- candidHonest and direct
- straightforwardClear and uncomplicated
- bluntDull or tactlessly direct
frank · upfront · unequivocal · point-blank · matter-of-fact · no-nonsense · unreserved · unvarnished · unfiltered · undiplomatic
sincere
Genuinely felt, not feigned
authentic · guileless · artless · ingenuous · open · transparent · trustworthy · veracious · heartfelt · real
clear
Without obstruction or fog
- lucidMentally sharp and comprehensible
- intelligibleCapable of being understood
- understandableAble to be grasped
comprehensible · articulate · coherent · explicit · unambiguous · readable · perspicuous · crisp · precise · concise
unpretentious
Lacking false superiority
- unadornedLacking decoration or ornament
- unembellishedWithout decorative additions
- homespunPlain and unpretentious
down-to-earth · uncomplicated · unassuming · simple · folksy · modest · understated · unaffected · unsophisticated · earthy
- homespunfolksy, homey, rustic, down-to-earth, homestyle
plain-spokenevasive
Avoiding direct response
indirect · guarded · cagey · circumlocutory · oblique
plain-spokenflowery
Elaborately ornamental in style
ornate · florid · grandiloquent · elaborate · verbose
plain-spokendiplomatic
Tactful and sensitive
tactful · discreet · politic · careful · thoughtful