openly
gb/ˈoʊpənli/ us/ˈoʊpənli/
B1
English
~ 3800
nyíltan
B1
1
nyíltan
B1
Usage pattern:
to do [something] openly
She spoke openly about her struggles with anxiety.
Nyíltan beszélt a szorongással vívott küzdelméről.
The mayor admitted openly that mistakes had been made.
A polgármester nyíltan elismerte, hogy hibák történtek.
They were openly critical of the new policy.
He lived openly as a member of the LGBTQ+ community.
The company discussed the financial challenges openly with employees.
Learner examples
She talks openly about her life.
Nyíltan beszél az életéről.
He says openly what he thinks.
Nyíltan kimondja, amit gondol.
We can speak openly here.
They worked openly on the project.
She smiled openly at him.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'openly' with 'open', using it incorrectly as an adjective (e.g., 'She was very openly person' instead of 'She was a very open person').
Meaning
Without hiding or secrecy
Collocations
speak openly
|admit openly
|discuss openly
|criticize openly
|act openly
Synonyms
publicly (Emphasizes being in public view or accessible to the public, while 'openly' can also refer to emotional honesty.)
|
frankly (Focuses more on directness in speech rather than visibility or secrecy.)
Antonyms
secretly (Implies doing something deliberately hidden from others.)
|
covertly (Suggests doing something in a hidden or disguised way, often for strategic reasons.)
Themes
communication
|behavior
|emotions
|core_vocabulary
Definition
In a way that everyone can see or know; not hidden.
In a manner that is honest, visible, and not concealed from others.
Grammar
Dictionary form
openly
IPA
GB/ˈoʊpənli/
US/ˈoʊpənli/
Syllables & stress
openly (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (openly)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: openly
- Plural: openlies
Word family
Expressions
admit openly
1/ədmˈɪt ˈoʊpənli/
fixed phrase
Confess in a public or honest way
To say you did something wrong in a way that everyone can know.
Examples
- She admitted openly that she had made a mistake.
- He admitted openly to cheating on the test.
criticize openly
1/kɹˈɪtɪsˌaɪz ˈoʊpənli/
fixed phrase
Express disapproval without secrecy
To say in public that you think something is bad or wrong.
Examples
- The employees criticized openly the new management style.
- She criticized openly the government's decision.
live openly
1/lˈɪv ˈoʊpənli/
fixed phrase
Live without hiding who you are
To live your life without hiding important facts about yourself.
Examples
- He lives openly as an artist and activist.
- They decided to live openly after years of hiding their relationship.
talk openly
1/tˈɔk ˈoʊpənli/
fixed phrase
Speak without secrecy or evasion
To say what you think or feel in a clear and honest way.
Examples
- They talked openly about their fears for the future.
- It's important to talk openly with your partner about money.