Which word describes a blunt, straightforward manner of speaking?

• A. Candid
• B. Austere
• C. Bombastic
• D. Cacophony

Answer: (A)

A blunt, straightforward way of speaking is described by the word candid. Candid means frank, open, and honest—expressing thoughts directly without hedging or sugarcoating. That sense of plain, unguarded communication matches the idea of speaking bluntly. The other options don’t fit as well: austere suggests sternness or simplicity in appearance or lifestyle rather than a way of talking; bombastic describes language that is pompous or inflated; cacophony refers to harsh, discordant sounds rather than a speaking style. So candid is the best fit because it directly conveys directness and honesty in speech.