adverb
-
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.
"Decisions of state are not made by one person alone, and they cannot be judged honestly by isolating one moment from the whole crisis," she said.
From Barron's ● Jul. 29, 2026
“I don’t know what it is that I failed to prove,” he said in court, “but I can honestly say that I did not commit this crime.”
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 23, 2026
Managers, players and clubs must be able to speak honestly about major decisions if Scottish football is serious about raising standards and maintaining trust.
From BBC ● Jul. 22, 2026
It’s been a long time since we’ve watched “Cheers,” and it honestly never gets old.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 17, 2026
It’s kind of passive-aggressive, honestly, but Dad chuckles yet again.
From "Keeping Pace" by Laurie Morrison
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.
