openly
adverbcommon in dialogue
- United States//ˈoʊpənli//
In an open manner; visibly.
adverb
- 1
In an open manner; visibly.
Nevertheless, without openly admitting it, he was devoted to Boxer;
The openly ridiculous plot has The Pirate Captain (Hugh Grant) scheming to win the Pirate Of The Year competition, even though he’s a terrible pirate, far outclassed by rivals voiced by Jeremy Piven and Salma Hayek.
We must speak our minds openly, debate our disagreements honestly, but always pursue solidarity.
Particular note, in this period, should be made of the actions of Joseph Denman, commander of the Northern Division of the Squadron, who went on an absolutely ruthless and systematic campaign along the African coast, burning so-called "slaving factories" to the ground and openly daring anyone who objected to try and stop him.
Etymology
From Middle English openli, from Old English openlīċe. By surface analysis, open + -ly.
Forms
- comparative
- more openly
- superlative
- most openly