# frankly

/ˈfɹæŋkɫi/ (US) · /fɹˈæŋkli/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/frankly
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. honestly and directly

adverb · CEFR B2

used to show that you are saying what you really think, even if it is blunt.

For teachers: 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.

### 2. in an open way

adverb · CEFR C1 · Formal

speaking or acting in a way that is very open and honest.

For teachers: 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.

### 3. clearly or obviously

adverb · CEFR C2 · Literary

in a way that is very easy to see or notice.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- Frankly, I do not think this plan will work.
- The doctor spoke frankly about the risks of the surgery to ensure the patient could make an informed decision.
- While the committee attempted to soften the blow, the chairperson spoke frankly about the structural failures that led to the project's total collapse.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.