What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
honest
Example
I appreciate your honest opinion about my work. [honest: adjective]
Example
He always speaks honestly, even if it's not what people want to hear. [honestly: adverb]
truthful
Example
She was always truthful with her friends, even when it was difficult. [truthful: adjective]
Example
The witness testified truthfully in court. [truthfully: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Honest is more common than truthful in everyday language and is used in a wider range of contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between honest and truthful?
Both honest and truthful can be used in formal and informal contexts, but truthful may be perceived as more formal due to its specificity to factual accuracy.
