barefacedly
|bare-faced-ly|
🇺🇸
/ˈbɛrfeɪst/
🇬🇧
/ˈbeə(r)feɪst/
(barefaced)
shameless
Etymology
'barefaced' originates from Old English and Middle English elements: 'bare' comes from Old English 'bær' meaning 'naked' or 'uncovered', and 'face' comes via Old French 'face' from Latin 'facies' meaning 'appearance' or 'face'.
'barefaced' appeared in Early Modern English as a compound of 'bare' + 'face' meaning 'having an uncovered face', then developed figurative senses of 'shameless' or 'brazen'; 'barefacedly' is the adverbial form derived from this adjective.
Initially, it referred literally to an uncovered or exposed face, but over time it evolved to mean 'shameless' or 'brazen', and the adverbial form now means 'in a shameless or openly bold manner'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adverb 1
in a bold, shameless, or brazen manner; without attempt to hide or apologize for something objectionable.
She lied barefacedly when asked about the missing money.
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Adverb 2
plainly and conspicuously; in a way that is obvious to everyone.
He barefacedly ignored the safety rules while working on the site.
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Last updated: 2026/01/15 15:05