the word 'straightforward' is a compound formed in english from two existing english words. 'straight', originally meaning stretched or direct, combines with 'forward', meaning oriented toward the front. the literal sense of "proceeding directly ahead" evolved in the late 16th century to describe a direct and honest manner of conduct. by the 19th century, it extended to describe things that are simple and easy to understand, as a direct path is easier to follow than a complex one.

Structure: straight (direct) + forward (ahead) 'straight' is from middle english 'strecchen' (to stretch), of old english origin, meaning direct or undeviating. 'forward' is from old english 'foreweard', meaning toward the front or ahead.