honestly

1. 1
   franklyadverb

   Used to stress that one is speaking frankly, giving one's real opinion or the plain truth.

   Honestly, the second draft reads better than the first, even though it's shorter.

   I'd skip the party if I were you; it's going to be a bore, honestly.

   UsageUsually first in the sentence with a comma (Honestly, it's too long), or added at the end as an afterthought.

   Similarfrankly, really, truly, truthfully, candidly

   Note

   Here the adverb comments on the speaker, not on any action: it marks the statement it opens or closes as a frank opinion. In all honesty and in truth are its longer equivalents, while the manner adverb still describes how something is done, as in answered honestly.

2. 2
   adverb

   In a way that is truthful and fair, without lying or cheating.

   I can't honestly say I enjoyed the trip, though the food was good.

   This year's report deals more honestly with the company's mistakes than last year's did.

   UsageOften after verbs: answer honestly, deal honestly with. I can't honestly say politely admits something is not quite true.

   Similartruthfully, sincerely

   Oppositedishonestly

3. 3
   annoyanceinterjection

   Used as an exclamation to express exasperation, dismay, or a similar feeling.

   Honestly! Can't you two go five minutes without arguing?

   She stared at the muddy footprints across her clean floor and muttered, "Oh, honestly."

   UsageOften Oh, honestly! or Honestly! on its own, said just before the complaint itself.

   Similarreally

   Note

   Nothing is being confessed here: the word has stopped vouching for the truth and simply vents irritation. What separates it from the frank sentence adverb is that it voices a reaction, not a claim to frankness, even when a complaint follows.

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