honestly
//ˈɒn.ɪst.li//
Forms
- Comparative
- more honestly
- Superlative
- most honestly
Definitions
1.In an honest manner.
- I can't honestly say that I feel any elatement at the prospect.
- Nevertheless, you must know (if I am to speak honestly to you) that I do not repent me those dallyings in enchanted fields.
- He answered the questions honestly.
2.Frankly, to be honest.
- Honestly, I didn't believe a word she said.
- Under a popular Instagram post rounding up some of the most amusing memes generated from her BAFTAs performance, the actress commented on Monday, “Honestly I love this.”
3.Expresses mild surprise or hesitation about one's own conclusion.(informal)
- Alright, can I play, like, here at least? Maybe ENTIA?, I guess ENTIA. Or INIA?, maybe just INIA honestly, for 29. I think that's better than ENTIA here, the T seems pretty valuable, I really want to try to bingo.
1.Used to express exasperation, dismay, etc.
- Honestly! I want to finish this work and you keep interrupting.
Frequency
Overall
Uncommon· #2916
By learning goal
- Everyday conversation
- Rare
- General reading & writing
- Uncommon
- Academic
- Rare
- Literature
- Rare
Related words
Etymology
From Middle English honestly, honestlyche, honestliche, equivalent to honest + -ly.