First Known Use: 1535
Dictionary
1frank
adjective \ˈfraŋk\
—used to say that someone is speaking or writing in a very direct and honest way
Full 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
See frank defined for English-language learners
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Origin of FRANK
Middle English, free, from Anglo-French franc, from Medieval Latin francus, from Late Latin Francus Frank
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
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>.
2frank
verb
Definition of FRANK
transitive verb
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
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
First Known Use of FRANK
1904
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
See Frank defined for kids
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
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FRANKER Defined for Kids
frank
adjective \ˈfraŋk\
Definition of FRANK for Kids
: free in or characterized by freedom in expressing feelings and opinions <a frank discussion>
— frank·ly adverb <spoke frankly>
— frank·ness noun
Medical Dictionary
frank
adjective \ˈfraŋk\
Medical Definition of FRANK
: clinically evident <frank pus> <frank gout>
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