honestly

[on-ist-lee]

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

/ ˈɒnɪstlɪ /

adverb

1. in an honest manner

2. (intensifier)

   I honestly don't believe it

interjection

1. an expression of disgust, surprise, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of honestly¹

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

Example Sentences

We've tried for months to interview Mr Graham, but he told us he had "no trust that a filmed interview would represent me honestly".

Read more on BBC

"These days, I'm probably taking it in a pretty sloppy way - honestly, I have no idea," she adds.

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"Then I'd see a picture of someone and honestly it just made me giggle."

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"We prepare for every opponent in exactly the same way, and honestly, we don't have a great record against Wales away. We know how tough they are," Kolisi said.

Read more on Barron's

If the crisis threshold—the floor below which families cannot function—is honestly updated to current spending patterns, it lands at $140,000,” said Green.

Read more on MarketWatch

Related Words

• fairly 
• genuinely 
• justly 
• sincerely