honest

[ˈɒnɪst]

honest Definition

  • 1free of deceit and untruthfulness; sincere
  • 2morally correct or virtuous

Using honest: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "honest" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    She is an honest person who always tells the truth.

  • Example

    I appreciate your honest opinion about my work.

  • Example

    It's not honest to cheat on the exam.

  • Example

    He has an honest face that makes people trust him.

honest Synonyms and Antonyms

Phrases with honest

  • an error made unintentionally and without any intention to deceive or harm

    Example

    I'm sorry for the confusion, it was an honest mistake.

  • honest-to-goodness

    used to emphasize the genuineness or sincerity of something

    Example

    That was an honest-to-goodness mistake, I didn't mean to hurt your feelings.

  • a neutral party who helps to facilitate a negotiation or agreement between two opposing parties

    Example

    The United Nations acted as an honest broker in the peace negotiations between the two countries.

Origins of honest

from Old French 'honeste', from Latin 'honestus', meaning 'honorable, respected'

📌

Summary: honest in Brief

The term 'honest' [ˈɒnɪst] refers to being free of deceit and morally correct. It can describe a person, opinion, or action, such as 'She is an honest person who always tells the truth.' 'Honest' extends into phrases like 'honest mistake,' and 'honest broker,' denoting a genuine error or a neutral party in negotiations.

How do native speakers use this expression?