honest

[[t]ɒ̱nɪst[/t]]

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1) ADJ-GRADED If you describe someone as honest, you mean that they always tell the truth, and do not try to deceive people or break the law.

My dad was the most honest man I ever met...

I know she's honest and reliable.

Derived words:

honestly ADV-GRADED ADV after v

She fought honestly for a just cause and for freedom.

2) ADJ-GRADED If you are honest in a particular situation, you tell the complete truth or give your sincere opinion, even if this is not very pleasant.

I was honest about what I was doing...

He had been honest with her and she had tricked him!...

What do you think of the school, in your honest opinion?

Syn:

frank

Derived words:

honestly ADV-GRADED ADV with v

It came as a shock to hear an old friend speak so honestly about Ted.

3) ADV: ADV with cl (emphasis) You say `honest' before or after a statement to emphasize that you are telling the truth and that you want people to believe you. [INFORMAL]

I'm not sure, honest.

4) PHRASE: PHR with cl, PHR n (emphasis) Some people say `honest to God' to emphasize their feelings or to emphasize that something is really true. [INFORMAL]

I wish we weren't doing this, Lillian, honest to God, I really do...

You wanna know the honest-to-God truth?

5) PHRASE: PHR with cl (feelings) You can say `to be honest' before or after a statement to indicate that you are telling the truth about your own opinions or feelings, especially if you think these will disappoint the person you are talking to.

To be honest the house is not quite our style...

I'd rather get it out the way, to be honest.