Word
frankly
US/ˈfɹæŋkɫi/
UK/fɹˈæŋkli/
Sentence adverb
Definitions
01honestly and directly
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adv. used to show that you are saying what you really think, even if it is blunt.
adv. used as a sentence-modifying adverb to signal that the speaker is being candid, often at the risk of causing offense.
“Frankly, I don't think the new plan is going to work.”
“Frankly, the board was disappointed by the lack of transparency in the quarterly report, though they appreciated your recent efforts to rectify it.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
02in an open way
C1 · Advanced Formal
adv. speaking or acting in a way that is very open and honest.
adv. in a frank or candid manner; describing the style of communication itself rather than serving as a sentence-level comment.
“They discussed their problems frankly and decided to stay friends.”
“The two leaders spoke frankly about their disagreements, hoping that such directness would prevent further diplomatic escalation.”
Antonyms
03clearly or obviously
C2 · Proficiency Literary
adv. in a way that is very easy to see or notice.
adv. to a degree that is plainly evident or manifest.
“The evidence was frankly visible to anyone who cared to look.”
“The structural flaws in the argument were frankly apparent even to those without a background in formal logic.”
Antonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “frankly” in context.
Verb
01. frankly admit that
“The CEO had to frankly admit that the company's recent expansion was a failure.”
adv + verb
02. frankly state that
“The report frankly states that the current infrastructure is unable to support the population growth.”
verb + adv + that-clause
03. speak frankly
“I need you to speak frankly about your concerns regarding the new project timeline.”
verb + adv
Adjective
04. frankly honest
“Her frankly honest assessment of the situation was refreshing, even if it was hard to hear.”
adv + adj
05. frankly impossible
“It is frankly impossible to meet these demands without additional funding.”
adv + adj
06. frankly ridiculous
“The suggestion that we could finish the entire renovation in two days is frankly ridiculous.”
adv + adj
Real-World Examples
“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.” Etymology
From frank + -ly.
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.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL 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: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- C1 · AdvancedOxford
- Updated
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