# honestly

Pronunciation: US say "AH-nist-lee" /ˈɑ.nɪst.li/; UK say "ON-ist-lee" /ˈɒn.ɪst.li/

## Adverb

1. Used to stress that one is speaking frankly, giving one's real opinion or the plain truth.
   - Simple: Used to show that you are telling the truth or saying what you really think.
   - _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._
2. In a way that is truthful and fair, without lying or cheating.
   - Simple: In a way that tells the truth and does not cheat.
   - _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._

## Interjection

3. Used as an exclamation to express exasperation, dismay, or a similar feeling.
   - Simple: Said when you are annoyed or upset with someone or something.
   - _Honestly! Can't you two go five minutes without arguing?_
   - _She stared at the muddy footprints across her clean floor and muttered, "Oh, honestly."_

## Origin

Built from honest plus -ly, the word already existed in Middle English as honestly, also spelled honestlyche or honestliche.

Source: DictionaryAI, https://dictionaryai.com/define/honestly (written from Wiktionary data, CC BY-SA 4.0: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/).