gentlebutfrank
adjectiveUK /ˈdʒɛntl bʌt fræŋk/
US /ˈdʒɛntəl bʌt fræŋk/
Being kind and soft while still telling the truth.
She was gentlebutfrank when she told her friend the drawing needed more color.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. Speaking honestly in a way that does not hurt feelings.
His gentlebutfrank advice helped me fix my mistake without feeling bad.
3. Being both tender and straightforward at the same time.
The teacher's gentlebutfrank note made the rules clear and fair.
4. Giving an honest opinion with a warm and careful tone.
Grandma is gentlebutfrank about my cooking, so I always learn something.