Word
Definition
adj. honest and direct in what you say, even if the truth is a bit uncomfortable or surprising.
adj. characterised by directness and honesty in expression; open and sincere in manner. Often implies a willingness to discuss difficult or unpleasant truths without evasion.
Examples
“We had a frank discussion about the company's future.”
“To be frank, I do not think your current plan will work without more funding.”
“The diplomat's unusually frank assessment of the situation surprised his colleagues, who were accustomed to more guarded and cautious language.”
Examples
simple
“We had a frank discussion about the company's future.”
contextual
“To be frank, I do not think your current plan will work without more funding.”
complex
“The diplomat's unusually frank assessment of the situation surprised his colleagues, who were accustomed to more guarded and cautious language.”
Usage
Often used in the phrase 'to be frank' or 'a frank discussion'.
Etymology
From Middle English Frank, partially from Old English Franca (“a Frank”); and partially from Old French Franc, and/or Latin Francus (“a Frank”), from Frankish Franko (“a Frank”); both maybe from Proto-Germanic frankô (“javelin”). Cognate with Old High German Franko (“a Frank”), Old English franca (“spear, javelin”). Compare Saxon, ultimately a derivative of Proto-Germanic *sahsą (“knife, dagger”). Doublet of franc, frank, and farang.
The surname derives from the medieval tribal name. The given name is also a form of Francis, with formal given name status since the 19th century.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/frank
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「日本語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0