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

I take no pleasure in hating “With Love, Meghan” — Markle is a local gal who inarguably got a very bum deal in her early married life, and I honestly want her to succeed.

From Los Angeles Times

"Even just acknowledging a little bit is the right etiquette, but for me, honestly, I don't care," the world number 35 told BBC Sport.

From BBC

I’m honestly a little surprised horseradish hasn’t developed more of a cult following, given that we are living in The Spiciest Era.

From Salon

And honestly, I hadn’t worked on music for myself in so long.

From Los Angeles Times

How did you approach portraying that kind of grief honestly without it being too much for the audience to bear?

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• fairly 
• genuinely 
• justly 
• sincerely