honesty

[on-uh-stee]

noun

plural

honesties 

1. the quality or fact of being honest; uprightness and fairness.

   Synonyms: rectitude, probity, integrity
   Antonyms: dishonesty

2. truthfulness, sincerity, or frankness.

   Synonyms: veracity, candor

3. freedom from deceit or fraud.

4. Botany.,  a plant, Lunaria annua, of the mustard family, having clusters of purple flowers and semitransparent, satiny pods.

5. Obsolete.,  chastity.

honesty

/ ˈɒnɪstɪ /

noun

1. the condition of being honest

2. sincerity or fairness

3. archaic,  virtue or respect

4. Also called: moonwort.  satinpod. a purple-flowered SE European plant, Lunaria annua, cultivated for its flattened silvery pods, which are used for indoor decoration: family Brassicaceae (crucifers)

Other Word Forms

• overhonesty noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of honesty¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English honeste, from Middle French, from Latin honestās; honest, -ty ²

Synonym Study

See honor.

Example Sentences

“Please know that I am praying for you, grieving with you, and will continue to face this tragedy with honesty, responsibility, and compassion,” he added.

From Los Angeles Times

But though Clooney and others echoing his push couldn’t ultimately sway the result, it’s the honesty that is of value in a star as big as Clooney.

From Salon

Still, the honesty of “Girl, So Confusing” hit Lorde the day after it came out.

From Los Angeles Times

This kind of honesty can help you maintain a friendship.

From BBC

"People appreciated the honesty. Some even said it helped them get into skateboarding themselves."

From BBC

Related Words

• candor 
• confidence 
• fairness 
• faithfulness 
• frankness 
• honor 
• integrity 
• loyalty 
• morality 
• probity 
• rectitude 
• responsibility 
• self-respect 
• sincerity 
• trustworthiness 
• veracity 
• virtue