How do you pronounce frank?

The recorded pronunciation is [ˈfɹʷæŋk].

Where does frank come from?

It is traced to Middle English.

frank

[ˈfɹʷæŋk]

Word Rarity Uncommon

Frequency: 4.75 in modern English

Syllables: frank
IPA: [ˈfɹʷæŋk]

Scrabble Score

Letters

Syllables

Unique Chars

Meaning

adj

Honest, especially in a manner that seems slightly blunt; candid; not reserved or disguised.

adj

Unmistakable, clinically obvious, self-evident.

adj

Unbounded by restrictions, limitations, etc.; free.

Obsolete

adj

Liberal; generous; profuse.

Obsolete

adj

Unrestrained; loose; licentious.

Derogatory; Obsolete

noun

Free postage, a right exercised by governments (usually with definite article).

noun

The notice on an envelope where a stamp would normally be found.

verb

To place a frank on an envelope.

Transitive verb

Example Sentences

"May I be frank with you?"
"The research probes whether treating pre-diabetes with metformin can prevent progression to frank diabetes."
"It is of frank gift."
"Frank of Civilities that cost them nothing."
"Over the fields, in his franke lustinesse, And all the champain o're he soared light."
"October 5, 1780, William Cowper, letter to Rev. William Unwin I have said so much, that, if I had not a frank, I must burn my letter and begin again."

Etymology

From Middle English frank, from Old French franc (“free”), in turn from the name of an early Germanic confederation, the Franks, from Proto-West Germanic *frankō (“javelin, spear”). Doublet of Frank, franc, and farang.

Origin

Source language: Middle English

Word Breakdown

Root: frank, franc, -, *frankō, Franca, Francus

Regional Pronunciation

American English: /fɹæŋk/
British English: /fɹæŋk/

Usage

Inflected Forms

franker (comparative) frankest (superlative) franks (plural) franks (present, singular) franking (participle, present) franked (participle, past) franked (past)

Derived Forms

frankly frankness frankpledge franksome overfrank unfrank frankable prefranked unfranked Frankish Frankland

Phrases

frank bank frank-fee frank-marriage to be frank ballpark frank cocktail frank Kingdom of the East Franks Frank-Tamm formula

Frequently Paired Words

prepay sav savaloy ferenghi franc France French Frenchify

Synonyms

unreserved undisguised free-spoken frankfurt frankfurter blunt candid forthright outspoken plainspoken point-blank straight-from-the-shoulder

Homonyms

franc Frank

Rhymes With

thank bank tank rank blank drank hank prank sank flank crank plank