plain-spoken
Americanadjective
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candid; frank; blunt.
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using simple, direct language.
a plain-spoken politician.
adjective
Etymology
Origin of plain-spoken
First recorded in 1670–80
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Platner, an oyster farmer and military veteran, rocketed to the top of the Democratic field with a message of plain-spoken populism.
From BBC ● Jul. 9, 2026
Known for his mischievous humour and charm but also for his occasional plain-spoken combativeness, Hockney enjoyed a wide circle of friends while remaining close to his parents, whom he painted in several memorable portraits.
From Barron's ● Jun. 12, 2026
There are just headlines and short summaries, presented as simply and unadorned as the plain-spoken Kavanagh himself.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 5, 2026
A simple line, but it brought the house down because of the plain-spoken truth Walz has swiftly become famous for.
From Salon ● Aug. 7, 2024
No sooner did she think of her dress than one of the housemaids, a short and plain-spoken girl whom everyone called Susan, came by the nursery with a message.
From "The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place: Book I: The Mysterious Howling" by Maryrose Wood
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
