adverb
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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.
"I have honestly cried non-stop the last week," she said.
From BBC ● Aug. 10, 2026
“I was honestly prepared for me to say, ‘OK, we’ll pay $10,000,’ and for her to call back and say, ‘Will you do $10,200?’ ” he said.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 10, 2026
If the performance evaluation is conducted honestly and based on merit, she said, the commission has nothing to fear.
From Los Angeles Times ● 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
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.
