frankly
Americanadverb
adverb
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(sentence modifier) in truth; to be honest
frankly, I can't bear him
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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," the US president said.
From Barron's ● 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
Despite the very real tensions and ramifications of Harry’s decision to go public with his and Meghan’s experiences and criticisms, his prodigal son position is, and frankly, has always been, a boon for the Firm.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 21, 2026
“From an employer’s perspective, that means looking at automation, looking at head count, and frankly, often employing people who already have the skills rather than developing young people.”
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 19, 2026
His mother and grandparents might forgive the fact that she wasn’t Syrian on a good day, but frankly it wouldn’t matter what they thought, because he and Clara were never going to get there.
From "Night Owls" by A.R. Vishny
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.
