blurt
B2Informal
Definition
Meaning
to say something suddenly and without thinking, often revealing something secret or inappropriate.
The action of uttering words impulsively, without forethought or consideration for the consequences, often due to strong emotion, surprise, or lack of inhibition. It can also imply a loss of control over speech.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a verb (transitive). It is almost always followed by a direct object, typically introduced by 'out' (e.g., blurt out). The act is negative or problematic, implying tactlessness, indiscretion, or a breach of intended secrecy.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is identical in both varieties. The verb is used with the same meaning and valency patterns.
Connotations
Carries the same connotations of thoughtlessness and lack of self-control in speech.
Frequency
Equally common in both British and American English.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
to blurt (sth) outto blurt sth (to sb)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “blurt it out”
- “blurt out the truth”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare; might be used in narratives about indiscreet comments in meetings. 'He accidentally blurted out the confidential merger details during the call.'
Academic
Very rare in formal writing; used in literary analysis or psychological studies of speech. 'The character's tendency to blurt reflects his lack of social filter.'
Everyday
Common in storytelling about social gaffes, secrets, or children's behaviour. 'I can't believe I just blurted that out!'
Technical
Used in psychology/linguistics to describe disinhibited or impulsive speech acts.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- 'Mind the boss is here,' she whispered, but he'd already blurted out the whole plan.
- The child blurted the answer before the teacher finished the question.
- In his nervousness, he blurted an apology to the wrong person.
American English
- 'Don't tell Mom!' my brother yelled, but I'd already blurted it out.
- He blurted out the surprise party details, ruining everything.
- Sorry, I didn't mean to blurt that—it just slipped out.
adverb
British English
- N/A (not standard)
American English
- N/A (not standard)
adjective
British English
- N/A (not standard)
American English
- N/A (not standard)
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The little boy blurted out, 'I hate broccoli!'
- She was so excited that she blurted out the news before I could stop her.
- Under pressure from the interviewer, he inadvertently blurted out that he was planning to leave the company.
- The witness, overcome with emotion, blurted out a damning accusation that had not been part of her official testimony.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine someone with a BLURred filter on their thoughts, so words just Tumble out = BLURT.
Conceptual Metaphor
SPEECH IS AN UNCONTROLLABLE PHYSICAL FORCE (erupting, escaping, bursting out).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation with 'выпалить' in all contexts; 'blurt' is more specific to thoughtless revelation. Not simply 'сказать громко'.
- Do not confuse with 'blur' (размывать).
Common Mistakes
- Using it without 'out' when a direct object follows (e.g., 'He blurted the secret' is less common than 'He blurted out the secret').
- Using it for premeditated speech.
Practice
Quiz
In which scenario is 'blurt' used CORRECTLY?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Mostly yes. It implies a lack of control and usually has negative consequences (revealing a secret, being rude). Rarely, it can be neutral, simply describing impulsive speech, but the implication is often one of indiscretion.
It is highly common and often considered the standard phrasal verb ('blurt out'). Using 'blurt' alone (e.g., 'he blurted the answer') is grammatically possible but less frequent and can sound slightly archaic or poetic.
'Exclaim' means to cry out suddenly, often from strong emotion (surprise, joy, pain). 'Blurt' specifically means to say something without thinking, with a focus on the lack of forethought and the often inappropriate or revealing content. You can exclaim a single word ('Ouch!'), but you blurt out information or a statement.
It is generally considered informal. In formal academic or business writing, synonyms like 'declare impulsively', 'inadvertently reveal', or 'divulge' might be more appropriate, depending on the context.
Explore