frank

¹

[frangk]

adjective

franker, frankest 

1. direct and unreserved in speech; straightforward; sincere.

   Her criticism of my work was frank but absolutely fair.

   Synonyms: blunt, naked, uninhibited, bold, free, unguarded
   Antonyms: restrained, inhibited, guarded

2. without inhibition or subterfuge; transparent; undisguised.

   The letter contained a frank appeal for financial aid.

3. Pathology.,  clinically evident; unmistakable.

   frank blood.

4. Archaic.,  liberal or generous.

5. Obsolete.,  free.

noun

1. a signature or mark affixed by special privilege to a letter, package, or the like to ensure its transmission free of charge, as by mail.

2. the privilege of having letters, packages, etc., transmitted free of charge.

3. a letter, package, etc., transmitted free of charge by special privilege.

verb (used with object)

1. to mark (a letter, package, etc.) for transmission free of the usual charge, by virtue of official or special privilege; send free of charge, as mail.

2. to convey (a person) free of charge.

3. to enable to pass or go freely.

   to frank a visitor through customs.

4. to facilitate the comings and goings of (a person), especially in society.

   A sizable inheritance will frank you faster than anything else.

5. to secure exemption for.

6. Carpentry.,  to assemble (millwork, as sash bars) with a miter joint through the moldings and a butt joint or mortise-and-tenon joint for the rest.

Frank

²

[frangk]

noun

1. a member of a group of ancient Germanic peoples dwelling in the regions of the Rhine, one division of whom, the Salians, conquered Gaul about a.d. 500, founded an extensive kingdom, and gave origin to the name France.

2. (in the Levant) any native of western Europe.

frank

³

[frangk]

noun

Informal.

1. frankfurter.

Frank

⁴

[frangk, frahngk, frahnk, frahngk]

noun

1. Anne, 1929–45, German Jewish girl who died in Belsen concentration camp in Germany: her diaries about her family hiding from Nazis in Amsterdam (1942–44) were published in 1947.

2. Ilya Mikhailovich 1908–90, Russian physicist: Nobel Prize 1958.

3. Leonhard 1882–1961, German novelist.

4. Robert, 1924–2019, U.S. photographer and filmmaker, born in Switzerland.

5. Waldo, 1889–1967, U.S. novelist and social critic.

6. a male given name, form of Francis or Franklin.

frank

¹

/ fræŋk /

adjective

1. honest and straightforward in speech or attitude

   a frank person

2. outspoken or blunt

3. open and avowed; undisguised

   frank interest

4. an obsolete word for free generous

verb

1. to put a mark on (a letter, parcel, etc), either cancelling the postage stamp or in place of a stamp, ensuring free carriage See also postmark

2. to mark (a letter, parcel, etc) with an official mark or signature, indicating the right of free delivery

3. to facilitate or assist (a person) to come and go, pass, or enter easily

4. to obtain immunity for or exempt (a person)

noun

1. an official mark or signature affixed to a letter, parcel, etc, ensuring free delivery or delivery without stamps

2. the privilege, issued to certain people and establishments, entitling them to delivery without postage stamps

Frank

²

/ fraŋk /

noun

1. Anne . 1929–45, German Jewess, whose Diary (1947) recorded the experiences of her family while in hiding from the Nazis in Amsterdam (1942–44). They were betrayed and she died in a concentration camp

2. Robert . born 1924, US photographer and film maker, born in Switzerland; best known for his photographic book The Americans (1959)

Frank

³

/ fræŋk /

noun

1. a member of a group of West Germanic peoples who spread from the east bank of the middle Rhine into the Roman Empire in the late 4th century _ad , gradually conquering most of Gaul and Germany. The Franks achieved their greatest power under Charlemagne

Other Word Forms

• frankable adjective
• franker noun
• frankness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of frank¹

First recorded in 1150–1200; Middle English “not a serf, free; generous; unconfined; exempt from tax,” from Old French franc, from Late Latin francus “free,” originally Frank

Origin of frank²

before 900; Middle English Franke, Old English Franca (cognate with Old High German Franko ), perhaps from the Germanic base of Old English franka spear, javelin, a weapon allegedly favored by the Franks

Origin of frank³

An Americanism dating back to 1900–05; by shortening

Word History and Origins

Origin of frank¹

C13: from Old French franc , from Medieval Latin francus free; identical with _Frank (in Frankish Gaul only members of this people enjoyed full freedom)

Origin of frank²

Old English Franca ; related to Old High German Franko ; perhaps from the name of a typical Frankish weapon (compare Old English franca javelin)

Synonym Study

Frank, candid, open, outspoken imply a freedom and boldness in speaking, writing, or acting. Frank is applied to one unreserved in expressing the truth and to one's real opinions and sentiments: a frank analysis of a personal problem. Candid suggests that one is sincere and truthful or impartial and fair in judgment, sometimes unpleasantly so: a candid expression of opinion. Open implies a lack of reserve or of concealment: open antagonism. Outspoken applies to a person who expresses their thoughts freely, even when this is inappropriate: an outspoken and unnecessary show of disapproval.

Example Sentences

It's understood Mandelson believes that he was truthful and frank about his association with Epstein, and told No 10 that he had not stayed in Epstein's Manhattan apartment in 2009 while Epstein was in prison.

From BBC

The 31-year-old's young supporters appreciated his conservative Christian values and frank opinions.

From BBC

He told ProPublica that he decided to speak because he wishes that “those who govern” would have more frank and honest conversations with the public.

From Salon

As a political editor, I am supposed to be used to all the statues, vaulted ceilings, and, to be frank, posh surroundings.

From BBC

In his pre-tournament news conference, Djokovic made a frank admission that he does not "enjoy" the elongated format of the Masters tournaments, which have been stretched to two weeks over recent seasons.

From BBC

When To Use

What does frank mean?

Frank is used to describe something that is honest and straightforward, especially in speech, as in The fashion show judge gave frank criticism to every contestant, even if they didn’t want it. Frank can also be used to describe something that is direct and undisguised, as in My teacher was frank with me, saying bluntly that I had failed the course. Although used rarely, frank also refers to a mark put on letters or packages to signal they should be shipped for free. In the United States, franks are reserved for members of Congress and other high-ranking government officials.Frank can be used as a verb to mean to mark the mail as special, as in The post office has strict rules when it comes to franking mail for free delivery. Related to this sense, frank can mean to give free passage to a person, as in The diplomat was franked through the military checkpoint. Example: The ballet teacher’s advice was frank, but the blunt criticism was very helpful to the rising star.