frank

¹frank

adjective \ˈfraŋk\

Definition of FRANK

1

: marked by free, forthright, and sincere expression <a frank reply>

2

a : unmistakably evident <frank materialism>

b : clinically evident and unmistakable <frank pus>

— frank·ness noun

Examples of FRANK

1. <our ballet teacher is very frank about telling her students whether she thinks they have the talent for a career in dance>

Origin of FRANK

Middle English, free, from Anglo-French franc, from Medieval Latin francus, from Late Latin Francus Frank

First Known Use: 1535

Related to FRANK

Synonyms

candid, direct, forthcoming, forthright, foursquare, freehearted, free-spoken, honest, open, openhearted, out-front, outspoken, plain, plainspoken, straight, straightforward, unguarded, unreserved, up-front

Antonyms

dissembling, uncandid, unforthcoming

Related Words

artless, earnest, guileless, ingenuous, innocent, naive (or naïve), natural, real, sincere, unaffected, undesigning, unpretending, unpretentious; outgoing, uninhibited, unrestrained; vocal, vociferous; abrupt, bluff, blunt, brusque (also brusk), crusty, curt, gruff, sharp; impertinent, impolite, inconsiderate, rude, tactless, thoughtless, uncivil, undiplomatic, ungracious, unmannerly, unsubtle

Near Antonyms

inhibited, reserved, restrained; close-mouthed, laconic, quiet, reticent, taciturn, tight-lipped, uncommunicative; ambiguous, circuitous, equivocal, evasive; diplomatic, politic, tactful; civil, considerate, courteous, polite

Synonym Discussion of FRANK

frank, candid, open, plain mean showing willingness to tell what one feels or thinks. frank stresses lack of shyness or secretiveness or of evasiveness from considerations of tact or expedience <frank discussions>. candid suggests expression marked by sincerity and honesty especially in offering unwelcome criticism or opinion <a candid appraisal>. open implies frankness but suggests more indiscretion than frank and less earnestness than candid <open in saying what they think>. plain suggests outspokenness and freedom from affectation or subtlety in expression <plain talk>.

Rhymes with FRANK

bank, blank, clank, crank, dank, flank, franc, hank, lank, plank, prank, rank, shank, spank, stank, swank, tank, thank, yank, Yank

²frank

transitive verb

Definition of FRANK

1

a : to mark (a piece of mail) with an official signature or sign indicating the right of the sender to free mailing

b : to mail free

c : to affix to (mail) a stamp or a marking indicating the payment of postage

2

: to enable to pass or go freely or easily

— frank·able \ˈfraŋ-kə-bəl\ adjective

— frank·er noun

First Known Use of FRANK

1701

Other Postal Terms

cancel, indicia, philatelist

³frank

noun

Definition of FRANK

1

a : the signature of the sender on a piece of franked mail serving in place of a postage stamp

b : a mark or stamp on a piece of mail indicating postage paid

c : a franked envelope

2

: the privilege of sending mail free of charge

First Known Use of FRANK

1713

⁴frank

noun

Definition of FRANK

: frankfurter

First Known Use of FRANK

1904

Other Food Terms

Reuben, calamari, chuck, curry, edamame, foie gras, hummus, leaven, nonpareil, peel

Frank

noun \ˈfraŋk\

Definition of FRANK

: a member of a West Germanic tribal confederacy that entered the Roman provinces in a.d. 253, occupied the Netherlands and most of Gaul, and established themselves along the Rhine

Origin of FRANK

Middle English, partly from Old English Franca; partly from Anglo-French Franc, from Late Latin Francus, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German Franko Frank, Old English Franca

First Known Use: before 12th century

Frank

biographical name \ˈfraŋk, ˈfräŋk\

Definition of FRANK

Anne 1929–1945 Ger.-born diarist during the Holocaust

frank

adjective \ˈfraŋk\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of FRANK

: clinically evident <frank pus> <frank gout>