Words / B2

FRANGK/fræŋk/

Frank means honest and direct in what you say, even if it is uncomfortable: a frank discussion; frank about. Candid is a close twin; blunt can be ruder; honest is everyday. A frank discussion in the minutes still needs the named issue. Mix-up: frank vs Franc; frankly as a sentence adverb; do not write frank for a leaked document that is merely public.

Meaning

Honest and direct in what you say, even if it is uncomfortable.

Examples

• “A frank discussion in the minutes still needs the named issue, not a slogan about “straight talking”.”
• “She was frank about the deficit, which is the candid-speech sense — still quote the £ figure.”

Good to know

a frank discussion / admission; frank about. Close: candid / blunt / honest. Trap: Franc / a leak with no spoken candour. Citizenship, business, and PSHE. Direct honesty in speech — name the issue.

Near in meaning

candid, direct, blunt

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