openly
gb/ˈoʊpənli/ us/ˈoʊpənli/
B1
English
~ 3800
Senses
0 senses
adverb
B1
property
1
Without hiding or secrecy
In a way that everyone can see or know; not hidden.
Usage pattern:
to do [something] openly
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').
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.)
Collocations
speak openly
|admit openly
|discuss openly
|criticize openly
|act openly
Themes
communication
|behavior
|emotions
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- She spoke openly about her struggles with anxiety.
- The mayor admitted openly that mistakes had been made.
- 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.
- He says openly what he thinks.
- We can speak openly here.
- They worked openly on the project.
- She smiled openly at him.
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.