Words / C1

OWTR-yt/ˈaʊtraɪt/

Outright means complete and total, or done openly rather than by stages: an outright ban, an outright lie; as an adverb, refuse outright. Complete is everyday; gradual and partial sit opposite. Do not call a “strong steer” an outright ban.

Meaning

Complete and total; also open rather than gradual or hidden.

Examples

• “An outright ban needs a date; a “strong steer” is not a ban.”
• “Complete is everyday. Absolute is a cousin. Partial is the opposite amount. Outright can be adjective or adverb. A hint in a corridor is not an outright decision and cannot be minuted as one.”

Good to know

Total / open (not piecemeal). Everyday: complete. Opposite: partial / gradual. A steer is not a ban.

Near in meaning

absolute

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