adjective

frank

/fræŋk/ · say it: FRANK

direct and honest in speech

In Personality & Character

In more detail

1. (adjective) honest and direct; saying what you think without hiding anything

2. (adjective) clear and obvious

3. (verb) to mark a letter or package officially so it can be sent free of charge

Examples

1. She gave me frank advice about my mistakes.
2. That was a frank admission of guilt.
3. The official franked the envelope with a stamp.

How to use frank

Frank describes speech or communication that is honest and direct, often with an implication of bluntness or lack of pretense. It carries a positive or neutral tone, unlike blunt which can sound harsh. Frank is commonly used in formal contexts like diplomatic conversations or professional feedback, and often appears in the phrase 'to be frank' when introducing a candid statement.

Common phrases

frank discussion
frank assessment
frank exchange of views
be frank with someone
frank opinion

Synonyms

candid · direct · straightforward · honest · blunt

Opposites

evasive · guarded · deceptive

Word family

frankly · frankness

A common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse frank with frank (the verb meaning to mark mail for free postage), which is now rare and archaic; this sense should not be used in modern writing.

Learn it for good

Save this word in WordVale and it comes back for review right before you'd forget it — with pronunciation, real examples, and optional translations. One purchase, no subscription.

Get WordValeFREE 7-DAY TRIAL · iPHONE & iPAD