- Main Entry:
- 1frank

- Pronunciation:
-
\ˈfraŋk\
- Function:
- adjective
- Etymology:
- Middle English, free, from Anglo-French franc, from Medieval Latin francus, from Late Latin Francus Frank
- Date:
- 1535
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
synonyms 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>.