Advertisement

Origin and history of outspoken

outspoken(adj.)

"given to speaking freely, candid, free or bold of speech," 1808, originally Scottish, from out- + -spoken. According to OED, the past participle "has here a resultant force, as in 'well spoken', 'well read'." Related: Outspokenly; outspokenness. Earlier was outspeaking, in reference to the voice, "loud, resonant" (mid-15c.).

Entries linking to outspoken

in Old English a common prefix with nouns, adjectives, adverbs, and verbs, "out, outward, outer; forth, away," from out (adv.). The use was even more common in Middle English, and also with the senses "outer, outside, on the outside, from without, external, externally; apart; greatly, extremely; completely, thoroughly, to completion." Other senses of out that extended into the use as a prefix include "beyond the surface or limits; to the utmost degree; to an explicit resolution."

In composition out has either its ordinary adverbial sense, as in outcast, outcome, outlook, etc., or a prepositional force, as in outdoors, or forms transitive verbs denoting a going beyond or surpassing of the object of the verb, in doing the act expressed by the word to which it is prefixed, as in outrun, outshine, outvenom, etc. In the last use especially out may be used with almost any noun or verb. [Century Dictionary]

in compounds, "speaking" (in a specified way), late-15c. (fair-spoken); common from 17c.; from past participle of speak (v.).

    Advertisement

    More to explore

    Share outspoken

    Advertisement
    Trending
    Advertisement