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Synonyms

honestly

American  
[on-ist-lee] / ˈɒn ɪst li /

adverb

  1. in an honest, truthful, or sincere manner.

    Parents are encouraged to speak honestly with their kids about drugs and alcohol.

  2. actually; truly.

    She was honestly surprised that he’d remembered their anniversary at all.

interjection

  1. (used to express mild exasperation, disbelief, dismay, etc.).

    Honestly! I want to finish this work, and you keep interrupting.
honestly British  
/ ˈɒnɪstlɪ /

adverb

  1. in an honest manner

  2. (intensifier)

    I honestly don't believe it
"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

interjection

  1. an expression of disgust, surprise, etc

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of honestly

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English honestli(che) “honorably, respectably; respectfully; fittingly, properly”; honest, -ly

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Woodson wanted history to be taught fully and honestly, not as separate observances.

From The Wall Street Journal

“I honestly think if this crew can’t bring back the popularity of figure skating,” Boitano said, “I don’t think it can be done.”

From Los Angeles Times

"And honestly, being part of SNL UK is just incredibly cool."

From BBC

Because, honestly, no one had asked him if he wanted to be here.

From Literature

"I know we won too much and the people don't want us to win but the referee has to be neutral and for me honestly, it's not fair," Rodri told Australian broadcaster Stan Sport.

From Barron's

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.