ENGLISH
REFERENCE

frank

adj.
B1 Intermediate US //ˈfɹæŋk// UK //fɹˈæŋk// frank Archaic Vulgar

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.


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.

Synonyms
Etymology 1

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.

Etymology 2

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.

Usage

Often used in the phrase 'to be frank' or 'a frank discussion'.

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