honestly

[ on-ist-lee ]

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.

interjection

1. (used to express mild exasperation, disbelief, dismay, etc.):

   Honestly! I want to finish this work, and you keep interrupting.

honestly

/ ˈɒnɪstlɪ /

adverb

1. in an honest manner
2. (intensifier)

   I honestly don't believe it

interjection

1. an expression of disgust, surprise, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of honestly¹

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

Example Sentences

"We're having much more nuanced conversations, I feel, in Ireland about this. It honestly feels like a cultural milestone."

From BBC

“I hope the bad employers will be shut out and the good people, who want to do this profession honestly, will stay - and the more the better,” he says.

From BBC

She then paid tribute to her family, adding: "I honestly could not do this without my team. I cried pretty much every day this camp."

From BBC

Following several incidents, she said: "I came to the realisation that this wasn’t just a feeling. I was honestly convinced that the company hated us."

From BBC

“They’re barely getting by, and quite honestly, the Democrats don’t seem to care. While I know Trump is a billionaire, I think he understands the needs of a middle-class person.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• fairly
• genuinely
• justly
• sincerely