outright
The adjective is pronounced [PH:a][PH:U][PH:t][PH:r][PH:a][PH:I][PH:t]. The adverb is pronounced [PH:a][PH:U][PH:t][PH:r][PH:a][PH:I][PH:t].
1 adj You use outright to describe behaviour and actions that are open and direct, rather than indirect.
ADJ n
Kawaguchi finally resorted to an outright lie., ...outright condemnation.
Outright is also an adverb., adv ADV after v
Why are you so mysterious? Why don't you tell me outright?...
2 adj Outright means complete and total.
ADJ n
(=absolute)
She had failed to win an outright victory..., The response of the audience varied from outright rejection to warm hospitality.
Outright is also an adverb., adv ADV after v
The peace plan wasn't rejected outright. If someone is killed outright, they die immediately, for example in an accident.
♦
be killed outright phrase V inflects
My driver was killed outright.