Frank

Podcast 1 · Introduction

Frank

A documentary-style narration: origin, meaning, and feel.

Part of speech

adjective, verb, and noun

Pronunciation

frank  /fræŋk/

Definition

As an adjective: open and honest in expression; direct without concealment. As a verb: to mark a letter or parcel so that it can be sent free of charge. As a noun: an impression made by a franking machine; also (historically) a member of the Germanic Frankish people.

Plain meaning

Frank as an adjective means directly honest — a frank assessment, a frank conversation. To frank a letter means to stamp it for free postage.

Register

The adjective is neutral to formal. To be frank is direct and respected; blunt or tactless is the critical version of the same quality.