What does outrightly mean?
Outrightly is an adverb meaning completely, entirely, or without qualification. It is especially common when describing strong opposition, rejection, denial, or a complete difference between two things: a proposal may be “outrightly rejected,” or a claim may be “outrightly denied.” In another established use, the word means openly and directly, without evasion, as when someone confronts an issue “outrightly.” Its force is emphatic, and in some contexts it can sound blunt or categorical, making it more pointed than a neutral alternative such as “completely.” The word is used in both British and American English and is well suited to formal discussion, reporting, debate, and argument. Although outwardly resembles it, that word describes something that appears true or is done in an external manner rather than something that is complete, direct, and unqualified.
adverbCompletely or entirely, often in a context of opposition, rejection, or discrepancy. It can also mean openly and directly, without qualification or evasion.
- Completely or entirely, especially in expressing opposition, rejection, or a total discrepancy.
- Openly and directly, without qualification, evasion, or concealment.
"The proposal was outrightly rejected by the committee."
"Her account of the incident was outrightly denied by the witnesses."
"The issue was discussed openly, but the committee refused to deal with it outrightly."
Outrightly turns a negative description into an emphatic one: not merely wrong, but entirely wrong.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does outrightly come from?
Outrightly was formed by adding the productive English suffix -ly to the established word outright. Outright itself combines out and right and dates from Middle English, when it could mean straight ahead, directly, or to a complete conclusion; its modern emphatic senses developed alongside related uses of the expression out and out. The element right ultimately comes from Old English riht, whose descendants include words such as rightly, upright, and righteous.
How outrightly is actually used
The word is most common in formal or emphatic contexts, especially with verbs such as “reject,” “deny,” and “oppose.” Its use can sound blunt or categorical, so it may be less suitable than “completely” in more neutral prose. There is no significant regional restriction.
Easily confused with outrightly
Outrightly means completely, openly, or without qualification, whereas outwardly means in an apparent or superficial manner.
Outrightly is the adverb form; outright can be an adjective or adverb and often focuses on being complete, direct, or unqualified.