frankly
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
used to show that you are saying what you really think, even if it is blunt.
used as a sentence-modifying adverb to signal that the speaker is being candid, often at the risk of causing offense.
Simple“Frankly, I don't think the new plan is going to work.”
In context“Frankly, the board was disappointed by the lack of transparency in the quarterly report, though they appreciated your recent efforts to rectify it.”
SynonymsAntonymsdishonestlyevasively - 02 C1 Advanced
speaking or acting in a way that is very open and honest.
in a frank or candid manner; describing the style of communication itself rather than serving as a sentence-level comment.
Simple“They discussed their problems frankly and decided to stay friends.”
In context“The two leaders spoke frankly about their disagreements, hoping that such directness would prevent further diplomatic escalation.”
- 03 C2 Proficiency
in a way that is very easy to see or notice.
to a degree that is plainly evident or manifest.
Simple“The evidence was frankly visible to anyone who cared to look.”
In context“The structural flaws in the argument were frankly apparent even to those without a background in formal logic.”
“Jason talked to us frankly, but anonymously, about his decision to have fillers.”
“That is neither a good outcome, frankly, nor is it a progressive cause,” he said.”
From frank + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.