frank

frank

---

Pronunciation

The word "frank" can be spelled phonetically in IPA as /fræŋk/.

Here's a breakdown of the sounds by syllable:

• frank:

• /f/ - voiceless labiodental fricative

• /r/ - alveolar approximant

• /æ/ - near-open front unrounded vowel

• /ŋ/ - velar nasal

• /k/ - voiceless velar stop

---

Word Form Variations

• Noun:

• Singular: frank

• Plural: franks

• Adjective:

• Comparative: franker

• Superlative: frankest

• Verb:

• Base form: frank

• Third-person singular present: franks

• Present participle: franking

• Past tense: franked

• Past participle: franked

• Adverb:

• frankly

---

---

Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms

Adjective

1. Definition: Open, honest, and direct in speech or expression, often without reservation or attempt to conceal.

• Synonyms: candid, direct, forthright, plain-spoken, straightforward, unreserved

• Antonyms: evasive, guarded, secretive, reserved, indirect, diplomatic

2. Definition: Characterized by uninhibited sincerity and a lack of pretense or hypocrisy.

• Synonyms: genuine, sincere, authentic, guileless, unfeigned

• Antonyms: insincere, disingenuous, artificial, affected, hypocritical

Verb

1. Definition: To mark a piece of mail with an official signature or mark to indicate that postage has been paid or is not required.

• Synonyms: stamp, authorize (for postage), endorse (for mail)

• Antonyms: (No direct antonyms for this specific action, as it describes a process)

2. Definition: To allow someone free passage or access, often as a privilege.

• Synonyms: permit, allow, grant, authorize, enable

• Antonyms: restrict, deny, forbid, prohibit, impede

Noun

1. Definition: A signature or mark placed on a letter or parcel indicating the right to send it free of charge.

• Synonyms: free pass (for mail), authorization (for postage)

• Antonyms: (No direct antonyms for this specific item)

2. Definition: (Informal, often capitalized) A shortened form of "frankfurter," referring to a type of cooked sausage, typically eaten in a bun.

• Synonyms: hot dog, wiener, frankfurter

• Antonyms: (No direct antonyms as it refers to a type of food)

---

Examples of Use

• Books:

• "To be frank, I had never much liked his wife; and as for his son, I had always thought him a bit of a cad" (Agatha Christie, The Mysterious Affair at Styles, 1920).

• "She was so frank and open that it was impossible not to like her immediately" (Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice, 1813).

• Newspapers:

• "In a frank interview, the CEO admitted the company faced significant challenges in the coming quarter" (Financial Times, June 2024).

• "The debate saw a frank exchange of views on the proposed legislation, with strong arguments from both sides" (The Guardian, April 2024).

• Online Publications:

• "A frank discussion about mental health in the workplace is long overdue, according to recent survey data" (Forbes.com, May 2024).

• "Tech giant's new privacy policy sparks frank concerns among users regarding data security" (TechCrunch.com, July 2024).

• Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:

• Television Series: "Let me be frank, your plan has more holes than a sieve" (Dialogue from the TV series Succession, Episode "Hunting," March 2023).

• Film: "He gave a frank appraisal of the situation, outlining the grim realities of their predicament" (From a film review of Oppenheimer, July 2023).

• Music (Song Title/Lyric): "Frank Ocean's 'Blonde' is an album that demands a frank listen, revealing new layers with each play" (Music review referring to Blonde by Frank Ocean, August 2016).

• Podcast: "In this episode, we have a frank conversation with a former intelligence officer about their time in the field" (Description of an episode from "The Joe Rogan Experience," June 2024).

• General Public Discourse:

• "To be perfectly frank, I don't think that's a good idea."

• "She always gives her frank opinion, even if it's not what you want to hear."

• "The two leaders had a very frank and productive discussion about trade relations."

---

---

10 Quotes Using Frank

1. "You must study to be frank with the world: Frankness is the child of honesty and courage." (Louis D. Brandeis)

2. "Despite everything, I believe that people are really good at heart." (Anne Frank)

3. "One of the hardest things in this world is to admit you are wrong. And nothing is more helpful in resolving a situation than its frank admission." (Benjamin Disraeli)

4. "To be frank, I had never much liked his wife; and as for his son, I had always thought him a bit of a cad." (Agatha Christie)

5. "How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world." (Anne Frank)

6. "If everyone were clothed with integrity, if every heart were just, frank, kindly, the other virtues would be well-nigh useless." (Moliere)

7. "I am being frank about myself in this book. I tell of my first mistake on page 850." (Henry Kissinger)

8. "To be frank and explicit—that is the right line to take when you wish to conceal your own mind and confuse the minds of others." (Benjamin Disraeli)

9. "When friends stop being frank and useful to each other, the whole world loses some of its radiance." (Anatole Broyard)

10. "It is not wealth one asks for, but just enough to preserve one's dignity, to work unhampered, to be generous, frank and independent." (W. Somerset Maugham)

---

Etymology

The word "frank" has a really interesting history that goes back to an ancient Germanic people called the Franks.

Imagine a long time ago, around the 3rd century AD, there were these powerful Germanic tribes living near the Rhine River. They were known as the Franks. When these Franks conquered parts of what is now France (which actually got its name from them!), they became the ruling class.

In the Frankish kingdom, only the Franks themselves had full freedom. Everyone else was either a slave or bound to someone else. Because of this, the word that referred to "a Frank" (in Medieval Latin, francus) started to mean "free" or "at liberty."

So, the very first meaning of "frank" as an adjective, appearing around 1300 in Middle English, was "free, liberal, generous," reflecting that idea of being unburdened or unrestrained, just like a free person.

Later on, by the 1540s, the meaning evolved to what we commonly understand today: "outspoken," "open," or "sincere." This makes sense because someone who is "free" in their speech isn't holding back or being secretive.

The verb "to frank" (like franking mail) came much later, around 1708, and is related to the idea of making something "free" – in this case, free of charge for postage. And the noun "frank" referring to a hot dog is a much more recent American English shortening of "frankfurter," appearing around 1916.

---

---

Phrases + Idioms Containing Frank

1. To be frank: Used to introduce an honest or direct statement.

2. Frank discussion: A conversation characterized by openness and directness, often about sensitive topics.

3. Frank assessment/appraisal: An honest and often critical evaluation.

4. Frank exchange of views: A direct and open discussion, sometimes involving differing opinions.

5. In a frank manner: To speak or act with openness and sincerity.

6. Frank admission: An honest acknowledgment of a mistake or truth.

7. Frank and open: Emphasizes extreme honesty and lack of concealment.

8. To give someone the frank truth: To tell someone the complete and unvarnished truth.

9. Frankly speaking: Similar to "to be frank," used to introduce a candid statement.

10. Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn: A famous line from the film Gone with the Wind, emphasizing indifference.

---

Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA

---

Source Information

Definition of frank from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.

---