Frank Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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frank
[fræŋk ]
Definitions
person
A person who is honest, sincere, and straightforward in their dealings with others.
Synonyms
honest, sincere, straightforward.
Examples of usage
- He is known for being a frank and trustworthy individual.
- She appreciated his frank opinion on the matter.
money
The official currency of France before the adoption of the euro.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- You can still find old coins and banknotes denominated in francs.
expressing
To speak or write honestly and openly about something.
Synonyms
be honest, express, speak openly.
Examples of usage
- He decided to frank his feelings to her.
- The author franked his thoughts in his latest book.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Pop Culture
- In the classic film 'Gone with the Wind', the phrase 'Frankly, my dear...' is one of the most quoted lines, symbolizing blunt honesty.
- Frank Ocean, an American singer, is known for his candid lyrics that often explore personal themes and vulnerability.
- The character Frank Underwood from the TV show 'House of Cards' is known for his unfiltered honesty in politics, often manipulating the truth.
Psychology
- Being frank can lead to healthier relationships, as it encourages trust and openness among friends and family.
- Studies show that when people communicate honestly, they tend to feel less stressed and more satisfied in their interactions.
- However, being too frank can sometimes hurt feelings, so balancing honesty with kindness is crucial.
Literature
- In literature, many authors use frank characters to symbolize truth-tellers or moral compasses.
- Frankness is often a central theme in novels exploring personal and societal conflicts, highlighting the importance of transparency.
- Writers such as Mark Twain and Ernest Hemingway are known for their frank style, portraying reality without sugarcoating.
Historical Context
- Throughout history, candid communication has been celebrated in various cultures, emphasizing the value of truth in governance and society.
- The Age of Enlightenment valued frank discussions and debates, particularly among philosophers and intellectuals.
- In political discourse, frankness has been both praised for its truthfulness and criticized for its harshness, marking an ongoing debate on the appropriateness of honesty.
Origin of 'frank'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Old French 'franc', which meant free or sincere.
- In medieval times, a 'frank' referred to someone who was freeborn, hinting at openness and honesty.
- The word used to describe an 'open and free' manner in speaking can be traced back to the Frankish people in Europe, known for their straightforwardness.
The word 'frank' originates from the Old French word 'franc', which means 'free' or 'open'. It has evolved over time to represent qualities such as honesty, openness, and straightforwardness in both people and communication. The term 'frank' has been used in various contexts, from describing a person's character to referring to a former currency. It continues to be a relevant and commonly used word in the English language today.