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.

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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

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interjection

1. an expression of disgust, surprise, etc

Etymology

Origin of honestly

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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

honestly

He definitely did nothing to deserve any of this, but he’s honestly such an icon, and the fact that he was in such good humor about it, it was honestly hilarious.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 15, 2026

Ask yourself honestly why you are engaging with work on a Sunday.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 11, 2026

The film-maker "honestly expected her to say no".

From BBC ● Oct. 10, 2026

If they can’t answer the first question honestly, you don’t need to hear the rest of the pitch.

From MarketWatch ● Oct. 7, 2026

“I honestly can’t help but think,” George Bass once said, “I was fated to do what I do.”

From "Shipwrecked!" by Martin W. Sandler

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Related Words

• fairly
• genuinely
• justly
• sincerely

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