frankly

frank-ly · adverb

imported

Definitions

adverb

  1. 1.

    In an open, honest, and direct manner.

  2. 2.

    Used as a sentence adverb to emphasize that one is being honest, sometimes introducing criticism or an uncomfortable truth.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    quite frankly — used for emphasis when being blunt
  • •
    frankly speaking — introducing an honest statement
  • •
    to put it frankly — to state something directly and honestly
  • •
    Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn — famous line from the film *Gone with the Wind* (1939)

Related words

Antonyms: evasively, indirectly
See also: candidly, frank, honestly
Synonyms: bluntly, candidly, directly, honestly, openly

Etymology

From frank + -ly. Frank comes from Old French franc ("free, sincere"), originally referring to the Franks, who as the ruling class in medieval Gaul enjoyed freedom and privileges.