FRANKLY

Pronunciation (US):

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 Dictionary entry overview: What does frankly mean? 

• FRANKLY (adverb)
  The adverb FRANKLY has 1 sense:

1. (used as intensives reflecting the speaker's attitude) it is sincerely the case that

  Familiarity information: FRANKLY used as an adverb is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• FRANKLY (adverb)

Sense 1

Meaning:

(used as intensives reflecting the speaker's attitude) it is sincerely the case that

Synonyms:

candidly; frankly; honestly

Context example:

frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn

Domain usage:

intensifier; intensive (a modifier that has little meaning except to intensify the meaning it modifies)

Pertainym:

frank (characterized by directness in manner or speech; without subtlety or evasion)

 Context examples 

“Mr. Holmes,” she said—and her white-gloved hands clasped and unclasped as she spoke—“I will speak frankly to you in the hopes that it may induce you to speak frankly in return.”

(The Return of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

“I make nothing of it,” I answered frankly. “It is a most mysterious business.”

(The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

‘Answer me frankly,’ he continued, ‘for you will find it to your interest to do so.’

(The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

He saw her hand coming out to his, and she looked him straight in the eyes as she shook hands, frankly, like a man.

(Martin Eden, by Jack London)

Oligodendroglial tumors histologically comprise a continuous spectrum ranging from well-differentiated neoplasms to frankly malignant tumors.

(Oligodendroglial tumor, NCI Thesaurus/Adapted from WHO)

I knew enough of your disposition to be certain that, had you been absolutely, irrevocably decided against me, you would have acknowledged it to Lady Catherine, frankly and openly.

(Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen)

I know my position is perilous, and I may say frankly that yours is even more perilous.

(The Sea-Wolf, by Jack London)

I never hesitate to admit, frankly, that there are some members of our family who want a friend.

(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)

On the contrary, she grew more excited and angry every moment, until, in the end, White Fang flung dignity to the winds and frankly fled away from her across the fields.

(White Fang, by Jack London)

Poor Meg had a restless night, and got up heavy-eyed, unhappy, half resentful toward her friends, and half ashamed of herself for not speaking out frankly and setting everything right.

(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)