frank

¹frank

adj \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

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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