frankly

/fɹæŋkli/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: franklier · frankliest

Sense 1

Meaning · English

In a frank or candid manner, especially in a way that may seem too open, excessively honest, or slightly blunt.

Adverb

Examples

to speak frankly

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

In truth, to tell the truth.

Adverb

Examples

Most of what they said was, frankly, a pack of lies.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “frankly” mean?

In a frank or candid manner, especially in a way that may seem too open, excessively honest, or slightly blunt.

Is “frankly” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.