adverb
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in an honest manner
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(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.
Yardeni: Yes, absolutely, though I have never been a gold bug and am honestly clueless when it comes to valuing something with no coupon or dividend.
From MarketWatch ● Aug. 26, 2026
Term out the debt honestly and pay the price the market sets.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 24, 2026
"Most people believe this is about money," he says, "it feels like, honestly, the whole 'we're doing this for the gamers' angle is nonsense, and I suspect most people have dismissed it."
From BBC ● Aug. 21, 2026
“I was subbed out and they applauded me; they were cheering me on a lot, and honestly, I’m really grateful for that,” Lozano said.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 20, 2026
I’m honestly surprised that Camille and Andre were willing to participate in my scheme.
From "South of Somewhere" by Kalena Miller
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.
