Frequency: The word is one of the 3000 most common words in English.
1.
If you describe someone as ~, you mean that they always tell the truth, and do not try to deceive people or break the law.
I know she’s ~ and reliable.
ADJ
~ly
She fought ~ly for a just cause and for freedom.
ADV: ADV after v
2.
If you are ~ in a particular situation, you tell the complete truth or give your sincere opinion, even if this is not very pleasant.
I was ~ about what I was doing...
He had been ~ with her and she had tricked him!...
= frank
ADJ
~ly
It came as a shock to hear an old friend speak so ~ly about Ted.
= frankly
ADV: ADV with v
3.
You say ‘~’ before or after a statement to emphasize that you are telling the truth and that you want people to believe you. (INFORMAL)
I’m not sure, ~.
ADV: ADV with cl emphasis
4.
Some people say ‘~ to God’ to emphasize their feelings or to emphasize that something is really true. (INFORMAL)
I wish we weren’t doing this, Lillian, ~ to God, I really do...
PHRASE: PHR with cl, PHR n emphasis
5.
You can say ‘to be ~’ before or after a statement to indicate that you are telling the truth about your own opinions or feelings, especially if you think these will disappoint the person you are talking to.
To be ~ the house is not quite our style...
PHRASE: PHR with cl feelings