honestly

Meanings

1. 1adverb

   In a way that is truthful and sincere; without lying or cheating.

   Grammar: Describes how someone speaks or acts: answer honestly, speak honestly.

   Patterns

   • speak honestly
   • answer honestly
   • act honestly

   She answered all the questions honestly.

   If you honestly believe that, you should say so.

   He honestly admitted that he had made a mistake.

2. 2adverb

   Used to emphasize that what you are saying is true or how you really feel.

   Grammar: Often at the beginning of a sentence: Honestly, I don't care. It adds emphasis or shows emotion.

   Patterns

   • honestly, ...
   • I honestly think ...
   • I honestly don't know

   Honestly, I had no idea you were coming.

   I honestly think you should apologize.

   Honestly, that was the best meal I've had in years.

3. 3adverbinformal

   Used to show annoyance or disbelief at someone's behavior.

   Grammar: Often as a single-word reaction: Honestly! It expresses frustration.

   Patterns

   • Honestly!
   • honestly, ...

   Honestly! You could have told me earlier.

   Honestly, why do you always leave the door open?

   Honestly, I can't believe you did that.

Common combinations

speak honestly

I want you to speak honestly about your feelings.

answer honestly

Please answer honestly; there is no right or wrong answer.

honestly believe

Do you honestly believe that story?

quite honestly

Quite honestly, I'm not interested.

Synonyms and how they differ

truthfully

Similar but focuses more on factual accuracy; honestly can also emphasize sincerity or emotion.

sincerely

Emphasizes genuine feeling; honestly often suggests plain speaking.

frankly

Means speaking openly, sometimes bluntly; honestly is softer and more about truthfulness.

Opposites

Word family

honest adjective

Truthful and not likely to lie or cheat.

honesty noun

The quality of being truthful and sincere.

Commonly confused: honestly or honestly speaking?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “honestly”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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