adv
honestly
ON-ihst-lee
adv
1
In a truthful, sincere manner.
"He answered every question honestly, even the awkward ones."
2
Used to emphasize that you really mean what you're saying.
"Honestly, I have no idea where he went."
intj
1
Used to express frustration or disbelief.
"Honestly! Can you believe he said that?"
How to Use Honestly
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishUsed both to mean "truthfully" and, casually, as a way to add emphasis or express exasperation.
Common pairings
honestly speaking
quite honestly
Word Forms
more honestly comparative, most honestly superlative
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He answered every question _____, even the awkward ones.
Etymology
From honest + the adverb-forming suffix -ly.