Words / B2

strayt-FORW-uh-d/ˌstreɪtˈfɔːwəd/

Straightforward means simple and easy to understand, or honest and direct: a straightforward method; a straightforward answer. Simple is everyday; honest is the character twin. A straightforward method still needs a control. Mix-up: straight (already in the dictionary) plus forward as two ideas; forthright is bluntly honest. Do not call a multi-step proof straightforward without cause.

Meaning

Simple and easy to understand; also honest and direct.

Examples

• “A straightforward method still needs a control, the sciences tutor said.”
• “Give a straightforward apology, which is the honest sense.”

Good to know

a straightforward + noun; straightforwardly. Everyday: simple. Honest twin: direct. Trap: two-word “straight forward”. Methods and orals. Easy or candid, not “in a straight line”.

Near in meaning

simple

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