Definition

1. Noun:
   • The trait of being blunt and outspoken: The quality of expressing thoughts, opinions, or feelings in a direct, honest, and unreserved manner, without concern for subtlety or potential offense.
   • The quality of being honest and straightforward in attitude and speech: The state or characteristic of being sincere, candid, and free from deceit or evasion in one's communication and demeanor.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • I appreciate your frankness about the problems with my proposal.
  • Her frankness during the interview was both surprising and refreshing.
  • The manager's frankness, while sometimes harsh, ensured there was no confusion about expectations.

Advanced Usage

• "Brutal frankness": A phrase describing honesty that is so direct and blunt it may be perceived as harsh or insensitive.
  • He apologized for his brutal frankness after criticizing her work so harshly.
• "With characteristic frankness": Used to indicate that someone is acting in their typical, straightforward manner.
  • With characteristic frankness, she told him exactly what she thought of his plan.

Variants and Related Words

• Frank (adj): Open, honest, and direct in speech or writing.
  • He was frank about his reasons for leaving.
• Frankly (adv): In an open, honest, and direct manner.
  • Frankly, I don't think it will work.

Synonyms

• Candor: The quality of being open and honest in expression; frankness.
• Directness: The quality of being straightforward and clear.
• Bluntness: The quality of saying what you think without trying to be polite or caring about other people's feelings.
• Openness: Lack of secrecy or concealment; frankness.

Antonyms

• Deceptiveness: The quality of tending to mislead or deceive.
• Evasiveness: The quality of avoiding giving a direct answer or statement.
• Secretiveness: The quality of hiding your feelings, thoughts, or intentions.

Related Phrases

• In all frankness: A phrase used to introduce a statement that is intentionally very honest and direct.
  • In all frankness, I believe this project is doomed to fail.
• To speak with frankness: To express oneself in a candid manner.
  • She spoke with great frankness about the challenges the company faced.

Noun

1. the trait of being blunt and outspoken
2. the quality of being honest and straightforward in attitude and speech