honestly
/'ɔnistli/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adverb:
- In a truthful, fair, or sincere manner: Describes an action done with integrity, without deception or fraud.
- (Used as a sentence adverb) To emphasize the speaker's sincerity or truthfulness: Used to introduce a statement, stressing that what follows is the speaker's genuine opinion or feeling.
Examples of Usage
- As a standard adverb:
- She answered all the questions honestly. (She gave truthful answers.)
- He earned his money honestly through hard work. (He acquired his money in a fair and legal way.)
- As a sentence adverb (to emphasize sincerity):
- Honestly, I have no idea where your keys are. (I am telling you sincerely that I do not know.)
- Honestly, I think this is a terrible plan. (I am giving you my frank and candid opinion.)
Advanced Usage
- "To put it honestly" / "To be honest": Phrases used to introduce a frank or potentially blunt statement.
- To put it honestly, your work has not been up to standard lately.
- "Quite honestly": An intensified form used for greater emphasis on sincerity.
- Quite honestly, I'm disappointed with the result.
Variants and Related Words
- Honest (adjective): Truthful, fair, sincere.
- He is an honest man.
- Honesty (noun): The quality of being honest.
- I appreciate your honesty.
Synonyms
- Truthfully: In a truthful manner.
- Sincerely: With genuine feeling or belief.
- Frankly: In an open, honest, and direct manner (often about unwelcome truths).
- Candidly: In a straightforward and honest way.
Related Phrases
- Speak honestly: To express oneself truthfully.
- I want you to speak honestly about your concerns.
- Live honestly: To behave with integrity in one's life.
- He strives to live honestly and honorably.
Related Idioms
- Honestly speaking: Used to preface a very direct or personal opinion. (Functionally similar to its use as a sentence adverb).
- Honestly speaking, I never liked that painting.
Adverb
- in an honest manner
- in he can't get it honestly, he is willing to steal it
- was known for dealing aboveboard in everything
- (used as intensives reflecting the speaker's attitude) it is sincerely the case that
- honestly, I don't believe it
- candidly, I think she doesn't have a conscience
- frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn