Honest vs. Honestly — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 6, 2024
Honest reflects truthfulness and integrity in character or actions, while honestly is an adverb emphasizing sincerity or frankness in speech.
Difference Between Honest and Honestly
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Honest is an adjective used to describe individuals who are truthful and show integrity. Whereas, honestly is an adverb that modifies verbs to add sincerity or frankness.
Honest often pertains to general character traits or specific actions deemed truthful. On the other hand, honestly can be used to start sentences or emphasize statements, making them appear more heartfelt or genuine.
In expressions, "to be honest" is commonly used to preface a truthful statement or opinion, highlighting honesty. Conversely, honestly often starts a response or opinion to stress transparency, as in "Honestly, I had no idea."
Honest can describe objects metaphorically, like in "an honest day’s work," suggesting straightforward, earnest effort. Meanwhile, honestly can modify how actions are performed, as in "She spoke honestly about her feelings."
Honest interactions are typically valued in social and professional settings for building trust and credibility. Whereas using honestly in conversations can serve to reassure the listener of the speaker's sincerity.
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Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Adjective
Adverb
Usage
Describes a person or action
Modifies a verb or entire clause
Common Expressions
"an honest mistake"
"honestly speaking"
Implication in Context
Integrity or truthfulness
Sincerity or frankness
Example in a Sentence
"He is an honest person."
"Honestly, I don't agree."
Compare with Definitions
Honest
Truthful, not lying, cheating, or stealing.
She is known for being an honest person.
Honestly
In a truthful manner.
She answered all questions honestly during the interview.
Honest
Simple and unembellished.
They live in an honest, modest house.
Honestly
Genuinely or sincerely.
Honestly, I think you'd be great for the job.
Honest
Sincere, without pretension.
He gave an honest opinion about the movie.
Honestly
Really, truly. used for emphasis.
Honestly, I never saw that coming.
Honest
Fair and equitable.
The judge was honest in her rulings.
Honestly
Used to assert the sincerity of a statement.
Honestly, I just forgot to call.
Honest
Earnest and forthright.
He did an honest day’s work.
Honestly
Freely or openly.
You can speak honestly here without judgment.
Honest
Marked by or displaying integrity; upright
An honest lawyer.
Honestly
In an honest manner.
Honest
Not deceptive or fraudulent; genuine
Honest weight.
Honestly
Used as an intensive
I honestly don't care.
Honest
Equitable; fair
Honest wages for an honest day's work.
Honestly
Used to express mild disapproval or dismay
Honestly! Look at the mess you've made.
Honest
Characterized by truth; not false
Honest reporting.
Honestly
(manner) In an honest manner.
He answered the questions honestly.
Honest
Sincere; frank
An honest critique.
Honestly
Frankly, to be honest.
Honestly, I didn't believe a word she said.
Honest
Of good repute; respectable.
Honestly
Used to express exasperation, dismay, etc.
Honestly! I want to finish this work and you keep interrupting.
Honest
Without affectation; plain
Honest folk.
Honestly
Honorably; becomingly; decently.
Honest
Virtuous; chaste.
Honestly
In an honest manner; as, a contract honestly made; to live honestly; to speak honestly.
Honest
(of a person or institution) Scrupulous with regard to telling the truth; not given to swindling, lying, or fraud; upright.
We’re the most honest people you will ever come across.
Honestly
(used as intensives reflecting the speaker's attitude) it is sincerely the case that;
Honestly, I don't believe it
Candidly, I think she doesn't have a conscience
Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn
Honest
(of a statement) True, especially as far as is known by the person making the statement; fair; unbiased.
An honest account of events
Honest reporting
Honestly
In an honest manner;
In he can't get it honestly, he is willing to steal it
Was known for dealing aboveboard in everything
Honest
In good faith; without malice.
An honest mistake
Honest
(of a measurement device) Accurate.
An honest scale
Honest
Authentic; full.
An honest day’s work
Honest
Earned or acquired in a fair manner.
An honest dollar
Honest
Open; frank.
An honest countenance
Honest
(obsolete) Decent; honourable; suitable; becoming.
Honest
(obsolete) Chaste; faithful; virtuous.
Honest
(obsolete) To adorn or grace; to honour; to make becoming, appropriate, or honourable.
Honest
(colloquial) Honestly; really.
It wasn’t my fault, honest.
Honest
Decent; honorable; suitable; becoming.
Belong what honest clothes you send forth to bleaching!
Honest
Characterized by integrity or fairness and straightforwardness in conduct, thought, speech, etc.; upright; just; equitable; trustworthy; truthful; sincere; free from fraud, guile, or duplicity; not false; - said of persons and acts, and of things to which a moral quality is imputed; as, an honest judge or merchant; an honest statement; an honest bargain; an honest business; an honest book; an honest confession.
An honest man's the noblest work of God.
An honest physician leaves his patient when he can contribute no farther to his health.
Look ye out among you seven men of honest report.
Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
Honest
Open; frank; as, an honest countenance.
Honest
Chaste; faithful; virtuous.
Wives may be merry, and yet honest too.
Honest
To adorn; to grace; to honor; to make becoming, appropriate, or honorable.
Honest
Not disposed to cheat or defraud; not deceptive or fraudulent;
Honest lawyers
Honest reporting
An honest wage
Honest weight
Honest
Without dissimulation; frank;
My honest opinion
Honest
Worthy of being depended on;
A dependable worker
An honest working stiff
A reliable source of information
He was true to his word
I would be true for there are those who trust me
Honest
Free from guile;
His answer was simple and honest
Honest
Without pretensions;
Worked at an honest trade
Good honest food
Honest
Habitually speaking the truth;
An honest man
A veracious witness
Honest
Marked by truth;
Gave honest answers
Common Curiosities
What is the primary grammatical difference between 'honest' and 'honestly'?
'Honest' is an adjective, while 'honestly' is an adverb.
How does 'honest' enhance a description?
It emphasizes the integrity or sincerity of the noun it describes.
What effect does 'honest' have in professional settings?
It builds trust and credibility among colleagues and clients.
How can using 'honestly' affect personal interactions?
It can make the speaker seem more open and sincere, which can enhance communication.
Can 'honest' and 'honestly' be used interchangeably?
No, because they belong to different parts of speech and serve different functions in a sentence.
What does 'honestly' imply when starting a sentence?
It typically introduces a statement meant to be taken as sincere and transparent.
Is 'honestly' only used to describe speech?
While often used with speech, it can also modify other actions that involve sincerity.
Are there contexts where 'honest' or 'honestly' should be avoided?
Overuse or inappropriate use can seem insincere or sarcastic.
Can 'honestly' be used in formal writing?
Yes, but it should be used sparingly to maintain a professional tone.
How do 'honest' and 'honestly' compare in terms of frequency of use?
Both are common, but 'honest' may appear more frequently as it is applicable in more contexts.
Does 'honest' have a moral connotation?
Yes, it connotes moral uprightness and integrity.
Can 'honestly' change the tone of a conversation?
Yes, it can make statements appear more forthright and genuine.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
