Upfront

Part of speech: adjective, adverb

Pronunciation: /ʌpˈfɹʌnt/

Definitions

1. Provided or paid before an event or service occurs ; characterized by being straightforward and candid in communication
2. Executed or given ahead of time as a prepayment or initial effort ; marked by openness and frankness in expressing thoughts or intentions
3. Involving payment or action prior to receiving benefits ; showing clear and honest intentions without evasion

Etymology: "Upfront" is a compound of "up" and "front," and its original sense was literal: a payment handed over at the front of a transaction, before any goods or services change hands. The adverbial sense "in advance" grew out of that picture of money moved to the leading edge of a deal. The adjective "upfront," meaning "paid in advance," came later than the adverb and was mainly used in American English. Its figurative extension to "open, frank, direct" is a separate development that followed the "in advance" sense, so the word has moved from a financial term toward a general description of honesty and candour.

Synonyms: honest, candid, straightforward

Antonyms: deceitful, dishonest