American English
/ˈoʊ.pn̩.li/
3 syllables · Stress the first syllable.
In a public way, so that people can see or know what is happening.
In natural speech, the middle part of “openly” may be very short: /ˈoʊ.pn̩.li/.
In a public way, so that people can see or know what is happening.
The company openly supports the new law.
They talked openly about the problem.
speak openly · talk openly · openly support · openly criticize
openly + verb
verb + openly about + noun
In an honest and direct way, without hiding your thoughts or feelings.
She openly admitted that she was afraid.
He spoke openly about his mistakes.
Openly can mean both “in public” and “without hiding your thoughts.” The context shows which meaning is intended.
speak openly about · talk openly about · openly admit · openly express
openly + verb + about + noun
verb + openly + about + noun