FRANKLY

honestly, candidly, frankly

(adverb) (used as intensives reflecting the speaker’s attitude) it is sincerely the case that; “honestly, I don’t believe it”; “candidly, I think she doesn’t have a conscience”; “frankly, my dear, I don’t give a damn”

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Adverb

frankly (comparative franklier or more frankly, superlative frankliest or most frankly)

(manner) In a frank, open or (too) honest manner.

(sentence adverb) In truth, to tell the truth.

Synonyms

• (manner): candidly, forthcomingly, honestly, truthfully; see also honestly

• (sentence adverb): as a matter of fact, truth to tell; see also actually

Source: Wiktionary

Frank"ly, adv.

Definition: In a frank manner; freely. Very frankly he confessed his treasons. Shak.

Syn.

– Openly; ingenuously; plainly; unreservedly; undisguisedly; sincerely; candidly; artlessly; freely; readily; unhesitatingly; liberally; willingly.

FRANK

Frank, n. Etym: [OF. franc.]

Definition: A pigsty. [Obs.]

Frank, v. t.

Definition: To shut up in a frank or sty; to pen up; hence, to cram; to fatten. [Obs.] Shak.

Frank, n. (Zoöl.)

Definition: The common heron; -- so called from its note. [Prov. Eng.]

Frank, a. [Compar Franker; superl. Frankest.] Etym: [F. franc free, frank, L. Francus a Frank, fr. OHG. Franko the name of a Germanic people on the Rhine, who afterward founded the French monarchy; cf. AS. franca javelin, Icel. frakka. Cf. Franc, French, a., Franchise, n.]

1. Unbounded by restrictions, limitations, etc.; free. [R.] "It is of frank gift." Spenser.

2. Free in uttering one's real sentiments; not reserved; using no disguise; candid; ingenuous; as, a frank nature, conversation, manner, etc.

3. Liberal; generous; profuse. [Obs.] Frank of civilities that cost them nothing. L'Estrange.

4. Unrestrained; loose; licentious; -- used in a bad sense. Spenser.

Syn.

– Ingenuous; candid; artless; plain; open; unreserved; undisguised; sincere. See Candid, Ingenuous.

Frank, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Franked; p. pr. & vb. n. Franking.]

1. To send by public conveyance free of expense. Dickens.

2. To extempt from charge for postage, as a letter, package, or packet, etc.

Frank, n. Etym: [See Frank, a.]

Definition: The privilege of sending letters or other mail matter, free of postage, or without charge; also, the sign, mark, or signature denoting that a letter or other mail matter is to free of postage. I have said so much, that, if I had not a frank, I must burn my letter and begin again. Cowper.

Frank, n. Etym: [Cf. F. franc. See Frank, a.]

1. (Ethnol.)

Definition: A member of one of the German tribes that in the fifth century overran and conquered Gaul, and established the kingdom of France.

2. A native or inhabitant of Western Europe; a European; -- a term used in the Levant.

3. A French coin. See Franc.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition