frankly

Everyday

1. Frankly means honestly and openly, saying what you really think. tree →
2. (sentence adverb) Frankly is used at the start of a sentence to show you are going to say something honest, often a bit rude or surprising. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday talk it often starts a sentence: «Frankly, I don't care». In stories it shows a character speaking openly. It can sound blunt. Phrases: «frankly speaking», «to put it frankly», «quite frankly».

Examples

• Frankly, that film was boring. tree →
• She spoke frankly about her worries. tree →
• Quite frankly, I've had enough of the rain. tree →
• Can I speak frankly? I don't like the new rule. tree →
• He frankly admitted he had broken the window. tree →
• Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn — a famous film line. tree →
• I have not exhausted the list of Perrault's writings, but, to speak frankly, the rest are not worth mentioning. tree →

Note

Adverb from «frank» (honest and direct). Not related to the name Frank. «Frankly» often signals a strong or unwelcome opinion; using it a lot can sound rude.