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View synonyms for honestly

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. 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

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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

If it still doesn’t work out, at least you can look your kids in the eye and honestly say you did your best.

I honestly don’t know anyone out there right now with the reach that Joe Rogan has.

I really, honestly didn’t think I would get pregnant so fast.

From Vox

This honestly seems to be the way things are headed, with practically every smartphone company also manufacturing their own headphones.

Ready or not — and honestly, it’s cool if you’re not — the 2021 NHL season is here.

That was honestly the scariest thing about putting the show to bed.

That was honestly the scariest thing about putting it to bed.

Why he must address the multiple rape accusations against him honestly—and immediately.

When I would say no, he would be honestly surprised that I would say no!

Whether it did so naively or cynically, I honestly do not know.

While this reaction lasted he laughed away the evidence, and honestly believed he was exaggerating trifles.

She has been with us a great deal—she has no idea what is going on—and I can't honestly say that she chatters any less than usual.

Whichever one is selected it should be fairly and honestly handled by my method.

(Holding out his hand) Good-bye, Bob, and—quite honestly—good luck.

He was honestly glad of the lad's return, being always somewhat anxious over his long absences.

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[gal-uh-maw-free ]

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Honest Johnhonest to God