frankly
Americanadverb
adverb
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(sentence modifier) in truth; to be honest
frankly, I can't bear him
-
in a frank manner
Etymology
Origin of frankly
Explanation
To say something frankly is to be completely honest and straightforward. It's unusual when a politician answers reporters' questions frankly. When someone's frank, they are plainspoken and truthful, and when you communicate frankly, your words have this quality. Telling people frankly that you need their help, or expressing criticism frankly but kindly can be difficult at times, but it's something to strive for. Frank and frankly have a Medieval Latin root, francus, "free, or at liberty."
Vocabulary lists containing frankly
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“We’re working very hard to get that war ended, and frankly, they both want to see it ended at this point.”
From Salon ● Aug. 26, 2026
An important consideration: It’s possible and, frankly, common for a client to authorize their attorney to accept a settlement over the phone or in person, in addition to in writing.
From MarketWatch ● Aug. 26, 2026
“I frankly thought that there was still drafting and wordsmithing going on,” Wall told the judge.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 24, 2026
"My first thought frankly is... they failed to make it in the US... essentially they failed to be A-listers in Hollywood."
From Barron's ● Aug. 19, 2026
“It means you’re a tough nut to crack, Clare, and frankly, I am not a squirrel!”
From "The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest" by Aubrey Hartman
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
