Dictionary.com

honestly

[ on-ist-lee ]
/ ˈɒn ÉȘst li /
Save This Word!
See synonyms for honestly on Thesaurus.com
adverb
in an honest, truthful, or sincere manner: Parents are encouraged to speak honestly with their kids about drugs and alcohol.
actually; truly: She was honestly surprised that he’d remembered their anniversary at all.
interjection
(used to express mild exasperation, disbelief, dismay, etc.): Honestly! I want to finish this work, and you keep interrupting.
QUIZ
CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?
There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?
Question 1 of 7
Which sentence is correct?
His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.
His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.
TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of honestly

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

Words nearby honestly

hone in, honest, honest broker, honest Injun, Honest John, honestly, honest to God, honest-to-goodness, honesty, honesty box, Honesty is the best policy
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Words related to honestly

fairly, genuinely, justly, sincerely, truly, uprightly, indeed, naturally

How to use honestly in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for honestly

honestly
/ (ˈɒnÉȘstlÉȘ) /
adverb
in an honest manner
(intensifier)I honestly don't believe it
interjection
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
FEEDBACK