Frank Meaning
/ˈfɹæŋk/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
Listen pronunciation
Definition
adjHonest, especially in a manner that seems slightly blunt; candid; not reserved or disguised.
adjUnmistakable, clinically obvious, self-evident.
Sentence Examples
Chiefly, I want you to be more frank.
Frank was waiting with pleasure for the date in the evening.
CEFR Practice Quiz
The ____ employee told his boss the bad news without hiding anything.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
I appreciate your ____ feedback it's always helpful to hear an honest opinion about my work.
Word Origin & History
From Middle English frank, from Old French franc (“free”), in turn from the name of an early Germanic confederation, the Franks, from Proto-West Germanic *frankō (“javelin, spear”). Doublet of Frank, franc, and farang.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"It is of frank gift."
— 1591, Ed[mund] Sp[enser], “Prosopopoia. Or Mother Hubberds Tale.”, in Complaints. Containing Sundrie Small Poemes of the Worlds Vanitie. […], London: […] William Ponsonbie, […], →OCLC:
"Frank of Civilities that cost them nothing."
— 1692, Roger L’Estrange, “ (please specify the fable number.) (please specify the name of the fable.)”, in Fables, of Æsop and Other Eminent Mythologists: […], London: […] R[ichard] Sare, […], →OCLC:
"Over the fields, in his franke lustinesse,
And all the champain o're he soared light."
— 1591, Ed[mund] Sp[enser], “Muiopotmos, or The Fate of the Butterflie”, in Complaints. Containing Sundrie Small Poemes of the Worlds Vanitie. […], London: […] William Ponsonbie, […], →OCLC:
"But, although her friends were kind, Lady Anne was not easy; neither daughter made her appearance, nor did she receive a letter to account for their silence. She remembered, indeed, that Charles Penrhyn could not get franks now, and her daughters knew she would not pay postage; and she had commanded Helen to work night and day, saying, "surely they can give her common materials.""
— 1842, [anonymous collaborator of Letitia Elizabeth Landon], “(please specify the page)”, in Lady Anne Granard; or, Keeping up Appearances. […], volume II, London: Henry Colburn, […], →OCLC, pages 178–179:
"It will be so ridiculous to see all his letters directed to him with an M.P.—But do you know, he says, he will never frank for me?"
— 1811, [Jane Austen], chapter 20, in Sense and Sensibility […], volume (please specify |volume=I to III), London: […] C[harles] Roworth, […], and published by T[homas] Egerton, […], →OCLC:
Explore More C1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The ____ employee told his boss the bad news without hiding anything.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
I appreciate your ____ feedback it's always helpful to hear an honest opinion about my work.