Plainspokenness

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. The quality of expressing one's thoughts clearly and directly, without ambiguity or hidden meanings
2. A candid manner of communication where honesty is prioritized and the message is straightforward
3. The attribute of being forthright in speech or writing, often emphasizing transparency and sincerity in interactions

Etymology: "Plainspokenness" is a straightforward formation: the adjective "plainspoken," meaning direct and unembellished in speech, with the suffix "-ness" added to turn it into a noun for the quality itself. The adjective is built from "plain" and "spoken," the past participle of "speak," so the whole word literally describes speech that has been delivered plainly, without ornament or evasion. The suffix "-ness" is among the oldest productive tools in English, descending from Old English "-nes," which attached to adjectives to name a state or quality. That is why the word follows the same pattern as "kindness" or "bluntness," turning a description of how someone talks into a name for a trait of character.

Synonyms: frankness, candor, openness, directness, honesty

Antonyms: deceitfulness, dishonesty, insincerity, tactfulness, duplicity