frank
1OTHER WORDS FOR frank
Origin of frank
1synonym study for frank
OTHER WORDS FROM frank
frank·a·ble, adjectivefranker, nounWords nearby frank
Other definitions for frank (2 of 4)
Origin of frank
2Other definitions for frank (3 of 4)
Origin of Frank
1Other definitions for frank (4 of 4)
MORE ABOUT FRANK
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.
Where does frank come from?
The first records of frank come from around 1250. It comes from the Late Latin francus, meaning “free.” Interestingly, this word comes from the Germanic Franks, a group of Germanic peoples who lived in what is now Germany and France around 400. The name of the modern country of France is based on the name of these peoples.
In the most commonly used meaning today, frank means someone is freely stating something or metaphorically freeing something by not hiding it.
Frank is used similarly to words like blunt, open, candid, and outspoken. These words often mean a person is being honest even when it is rude to do so or when the truth is going to hurt. Typically, you will hear phrases like “I’m going to be frank with you” or “To be frank …” when someone wants to warn you that they are about to share an honest—and most likely unpleasant—opinion or fact.
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What are some other forms related to frank?
What are some synonyms for frank?
What are some words that share a root or word element with frank?
What are some words that often get used in discussing frank?
How is frank used in real life?
The word frank is often used when someone is giving their honest, forthright opinion. You might use frank to warn that your opinion will be unpopular.
Let's be frank: If the Dolphins loved Dobbins, they would have parted with one of their 900 third-day picks to get him.
— Adam Beasley (@AdamHBeasley) April 25, 2020
My wife thinks I over-analyse our marriage, which, to be frank completely contradicts the findings of my report.
— Moose Allain Ꙭ (@MooseAllain) January 27, 2020
To be frank, the last year and half was not easy. But things change just like people and I’m glad to be where I’m at. In that time I’ve worked on music and this is one of the songs I refined during that time. Hope anyone who finds it enjoys it, full song in my bio pic.twitter.com/ePgK1q9kH8
— adrian (@daydreamso) June 1, 2021
Try using frank!
Is frank used correctly in the following sentence?
Rather than downplay the disaster, the mayor made frank statements that honestly detailed the damage from the tornado.