View synonyms for

honestly

[ on-ist-lee ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

adverb

in an honest, truthful, or sincere manner:
Parents are encouraged to speak honestly with their kids about drugs and alcohol.
actually; truly:
She was honestly surprised that he’d remembered their anniversary at all.

interjection

(used to express mild exasperation, disbelief, dismay, etc.):
Honestly! I want to finish this work, and you keep interrupting.

honestly

/ ˈɒ��ɪ��ٱ�ɪ /

adverb

in an honest manner
(intensifier)
I honestly don't believe it

interjection

an expression of disgust, surprise, etc

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Word History and Origins

Origin of honestly¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English honestli(che) “honorably, respectably; respectfully; fittingly, properly”; honest, -ly

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

I haven’t been as busy as an actor as I would like, honestly.

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I honestly don’t know what happened that night.

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"It honestly feels like I'm not seeing any of that."

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"I honestly never meant to upset anyone. I thought I was going in every day and just delivering what was wanted. I didn't realise I was causing any problems."

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“I don’t think I could truly answer that honestly,” Snead said, “so I’ll keep that internal, how we view it.”

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Related Words

Honest John honest to God

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