Words / A2

OHP-uh-nlee/ˈəʊpənli/

Openly means without hiding opinions or feelings: speak openly, openly admit, discuss it openly. Open is the adjective (an open person, an open door). Secretly is an opposite. Honestly is a cousin, but honestly is about truth, not always about being public. Do not write openly when you mean only (sounds similar in fast speech), or open as the verb.

Meaning

In a way that does not hide your feelings or opinions.

Examples

• “She spoke openly about her fear of flying.”
• “He talked openly about missing his family abroad.”
• “The manager openly disagreed with the new timetable.”

Good to know

speak / discuss openly. Adjective: open. Opposite: secretly. Mix-up: only.

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