When we describe someone as honest, we usually mean they have no intent to deceive and can be trusted. When we call someone forthright, we usually mean they are direct and candid in their communication. The adjective forthright is defined as “going straight to the point” or “frank.” Someone who is forthright does not beat around the bush or withhold information; they get to the heart of matters without hesitation. Forthright is similar to the adjective forthcoming, which is defined as “frank and cooperative,” but which implies slightly more agreeability or the divulgence of a larger amount of information. The common link, the directional adverb forth, means “onward” or “forward.”

The verbs climb and ascend both imply moving upward. Climb is more likely to be used of a person using their feet to move up (climb stairs), or their hands and feet (climb up a ladder). This verb suggests effort, even when used figuratively to talk about gaining prominence or fortune (to climb to the highest office in the land). The verb ascend usually suggests a gradual or stately movement, with or without effort. This lofty verb really stands apart in discussion of rising to a higher point, rank, or degree, or proceeding from an inferior to a superior degree or level, as in the case of a person who ascends to power.

If you look up the adjectives impulsive and impetuous in a dictionary, you might feel like you’re in a hall of mirrors: impulsive is defined as “impetuous” and vice versa. While the two terms are very close in meaning, there are undertones that set them apart. Both refer to persons who are hasty or rash, or actions that are not preceded by thought, but impulsive emphasizes spontaneity or unpredictability and a lack of reflection; impetuous suggests passion or eagerness as the driving force behind abrupt actions or turbulent behavior.