Meaning & use

frank

adjective·Everyday

Open, honest, and direct in what one says, even when the truth may be unwelcome.

See it in a sentence

I appreciated her frank opinion of my essay, even though it was hard to hear.

To be frank, I don't think the plan will work without more funding.

A note on using this word

Frank is generally positive, praising honesty, while blunt can suggest a lack of tact. 'To be frank' is a common way to introduce an honest opinion.

Words with a similar meaning

candidforthrightblunt

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Words with an opposite meaning

evasive

Another way to use it

2. verb

To mark a piece of mail to show that postage has been paid or waived.

The office machine franks all outgoing letters before they go to the mail room.

Make it your own

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