frankness
UK[ˈfræŋknəs]US[ˈfræŋknəs]
n
the quality of being honest, sincere, and straightforward in speech or manner.
Morpheme Breakdown
frank
ness
frank
free, open
ness
state or quality
Etymology
the word 'frankness' traces its lineage to the name of the frankish people, a germanic tribe that conquered gaul. in late latin, francus came to mean "free," as the franks were the ruling class and enjoyed liberties denied to subjugated peoples. this notion of political freedom evolved semantically into the personal quality of speaking freely and without concealment. the old english suffix -ness was then appended to the adjective 'frank' to form an abstract noun, completing the journey from a tribal name to the modern concept of candid openness.
Analysis
Structure: frank (free, open) + ness (state or quality)
frank: from old english franca (spear, javelin) and old french franc (free), via latin francus (a frank, a member of the germanic tribe; free). in this word, it functions as the adjectival root meaning "free, open, sincere."
ness: from old english -nes, -ness, a noun-forming suffix denoting a state, condition, or quality. it functions as an abstract noun suffix.
Examples
her frankness about the challenges was refreshing during the meeting.
i appreciate your frankness, even when the truth is difficult to hear.
the interview was marked by a surprising degree of frankness from the usually reserved official.