HONESTLY

Pronunciation (US):

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IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does honestly mean? 

• HONESTLY (adverb)
  The adverb HONESTLY has 2 senses:

1. (used as intensives reflecting the speaker's attitude) it is sincerely the case that

2. in an honest manner

  Familiarity information: HONESTLY used as an adverb is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• HONESTLY (adverb)

Sense 1

Meaning:

(used as intensives reflecting the speaker's attitude) it is sincerely the case that

Synonyms:

candidly; frankly; honestly

Context example:

frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn

Domain usage:

intensifier; intensive (a modifier that has little meaning except to intensify the meaning it modifies)

Pertainym:

honest (without dissimulation; frank)

Sense 2

Meaning:

In an honest manner

Synonyms:

aboveboard; honestly

Context example:

was known for dealing aboveboard in everything

Antonym:

dishonestly (in a corrupt and deceitful manner)

Pertainym:

honest (not disposed to cheat or defraud; not deceptive or fraudulent)

 Context examples 

If you want to see a fertility expert, have that first meeting, a series of tests, or a procedure this month, either near March 11 or March 20—honestly, the entire month glows for you.

(AstrologyZone.com, by Susan Miller)

But honestly now, do not you rather expect it than otherwise?

(Mansfield Park, by Jane Austen)

I tell you honestly, between man and man, I’m very glad you didn’t.

(Rodney Stone, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

Why, Watson, I do honestly believe that we are going to pull it off, after all.

(His Last Bow, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

I honestly could not understand what he was driving at.

(The Sea-Wolf, by Jack London)

She stumbled through it, pausing now and again to wipe her eyes, and when she had finished, said: An' does it mean that you come by the money honestly?

(Martin Eden, by Jack London)

When he was speaking of it in that way, I honestly said that the world I could give up—parties, balls, plays—for I had no fear of retirement.

(Emma, by Jane Austen)

Do you want to know what I honestly think of you?

(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)

You must be satisfied with such admiration as I can honestly give.

(Sense and Sensibility, by Jane Austen)

Elizabeth honestly and heartily expressed her delight in the prospect of their relationship.

(Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen)