Tra từ frank - Từ điển Oxford Advanced Learner 8th

frank [frank franks franked franking franker frankest] adjective, verb BrE [fræŋk] NAmE [fræŋk]
adjective (frank·er, frank·est more frank is also common)
honest and direct in what you say, sometimes in a way that other people might not like
•a full and frank discussion
•a frank admission of guilt
•He was very frank about his relationship with the actress.
•To be frank with you, I think your son has little chance of passing the exam.

Word Origin:
adj. Middle English ‘free’ Old French franc medieval Latin francus ‘free’ Francus ↑French Middle English ‘generous’ v. early 18th cent. ↑frank ‘free of obligation’

Synonyms:
honest
frank • direct • open • outspoken • straight • blunt
These words all describe people saying exactly what they mean without trying to hide feelings, opinions or facts.
honest • not hiding the truth about sth: ▪ Thank you for being so honest with me.
frank • honest in what you say, sometimes in a way that other people might not like: ▪ To be frank with you, I think your son has little chance of passing the exam.
direct • saying exactly what you mean in a way that nobody can pretend not to understand: ▪ You'll have to get used to his direct manner.
Being direct is sometimes considered positive but sometimes it is used as a ‘polite’ way of saying that sb is rude.
open • (approving) (of a person) not keeping thoughts and feelings hidden: ▪ He was quite open about his reasons for leaving.
outspoken • saying exactly what you think, even if this shocks or offends people: ▪ She was outspoken in her criticism of the plan.
straight • honest and direct: ▪ I don't think you're being straight with me.
blunt • saying exactly what you think without trying to be polite: ▪ She has a reputation for blunt speaking.
which word?
Honest and frank refer to what you say as much as how you say it: ▪ a(n) honest/frank admission of guilt. They are generally positive words, although it is possible to be too frank in a way that other people might not like. Direct, outspoken and blunt all describe sb's manner of saying what they think. Outspoken suggests that you are willing to shock people by saying what you believe to be right. Blunt and direct often suggest that you think honesty is more important than being polite. Open is positive and describes sb's character: ▪ I'm a very open person.
honest/frank/direct/open/outspoken/straight about sth
honest/frank/direct/open/straight/blunt with sb
a(n) honest/direct/straight/blunt answer
a frank/direct/blunt manner

Example Bank:
•Macmillan was quite frank about his concerns.
•She surveyed Sophie from top to toe in a disarmingly frank way.
•She was brutally frank in her assessment of our chances.
•To be frank with you, I don't really think you have a chance.
•To be frank, I don't care who wins.
•a full and frank exchange of views
•To be frank with you, I think your son has little chance of passing the exam.
Derived Word: ↑frankness

verb often passive ~ sth
to stamp a mark on an envelope, etc. to show that the cost of posting it has been paid or does not need to be paid
Verb forms:

Word Origin:
adj. Middle English ‘free’ Old French franc medieval Latin francus ‘free’ Francus ↑French Middle English ‘generous’ v. early 18th cent. ↑frank ‘free of obligation’