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

Example Sentences

Honestly, you are in your 60s at this point, and I don’t see your husband going through a miraculous change through marital or even private therapy.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 6, 2026

"Honestly, it's not rocket science," all-rounder Stokes told BBC Sport.

From BBC • Jun. 3, 2026

"Honestly I am speechless," Shnaider said in her post-match interview.

From BBC • Jun. 3, 2026

Honestly, production is going to grow by a couple of hundred thousand barrels incrementally, but it will require a significant turnaround.

From Barron's • May 15, 2026

Honestly, I don’t even know if it was a hospital.

From "Everything Sad Is Untrue" by Daniel Nayeri

Related Words

• fairly
• genuinely
• justly
• sincerely