forthright
UK[ˈfɔːθraɪt]US[ˈfɔːrθraɪt]
adj
Direct and outspoken; straightforward in manner or speech.
Morpheme Breakdown
forth
right
forth
forward
right
straight
Etymology
The word 'forthright' is a native English compound, formed from the Old English elements 'forth' and 'right'. Literally meaning "straightforward," it originally described a direct physical path. Over time, the meaning evolved from describing a literal, unobstructed route to describing a figurative manner of communication that is similarly direct and unambiguous. This semantic shift from the concrete to the abstract is a common process in language, where a term for physical directness comes to represent honesty and frankness in speech or action.
Analysis
Structure: forth (forward) + right (straight)
forth: Old English, meaning "forward, onward." It functions as an adverb indicating direction.
right: Old English, meaning "straight, direct, correct." It functions as an adjective describing manner.
Examples
She appreciated his forthright opinion, even though it was difficult to hear.
The manager was forthright about the challenges facing the company.
His forthright manner sometimes made him seem blunt.