outright

American  

[out-rahyt, out-rahyt, -rahyt] / ˈaʊtˌraɪt, ˈaʊtˈraɪt, -ˌraɪt /

adjective

1. complete or total.

   an outright loss.

2. downright or unqualified.

   an outright refusal.

3. without further payments due, restrictions, or qualifications.

   an outright sale of the car.

4. Archaic. directed straight out or on.

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adverb

1. completely; entirely.

   Synonyms:

   thoroughly, altogether, utterly, downright

2. without restraint, reserve, or concealment; openly.

   Tell me outright what's bothering you.

3. at once; instantly.

   to be killed outright.

4. without further payments due, restrictions, or qualifications.

   to own the house outright.

5. Archaic. straight out or ahead; directly onward.

outright British  

adjective

1. without qualifications or limitations

   outright ownership

2. complete; total

   an outright lie

3. straightforward; direct

   an outright manner

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adverb

1. without restrictions

   buy outright

2. without reservation or concealment

   ask outright

3. instantly

   he was killed outright

4. obsolete straight ahead or out

Other Word Forms

• outrightness noun

Etymology

Origin of outright

Middle English word dating back to 1250–1300; out, right

Example Sentences

Whether one wants to buy some of these stocks outright or buy the calls, Emanuel’s list is a good one to pick from.

From Barron's

Faced with tariffs, they discount, reprice, accept lower returns or absorb the cost outright to keep factories running.

From The Wall Street Journal

Following the ruling, Andrew Tate said he had been the victim of "the matrix" and "outright theft".

From BBC

The court heard how his police interviews were peppered with false claims and outright lies, blaming the fans for making him fear for his life.

From BBC

The European Commission tends to be reluctant to block deals outright.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• absolute
• downright
• pure
• unequivocal
• unmitigated
• utter
• wholesale