adverb
-
in an honest manner
-
(intensifier)
I honestly don't believe it
interjection
Etymology
Origin of honestly
First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English honestli(che) “honorably, respectably; respectfully; fittingly, properly”; see origin at 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.
BH: I honestly think having less money makes you more creative — you can do way more with less.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 10, 2026
“When I read some of the opposition to negotiations, I honestly wonder what world these people are living in,” he said.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 7, 2026
Focus on one thing only: the life you actually intend to fund, priced honestly, taxed correctly, measured in years.
From MarketWatch ● Aug. 6, 2026
"But honestly that questions whether or not he is the right person to be leading an institution of such importance as the Law Society of Northern Ireland."
From BBC ● Aug. 5, 2026
“Given how little time you had to learn the water monster songs, Wind Being and I are honestly surprised.”
From "Healer of the Water Monster" by Brian Young
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.
