honest

hon-est · adjective

imported

Definitions

adjective

  1. 1.

    Free of deceit; truthful and sincere.

  2. 2.

    Morally correct or virtuous; not given to lying, cheating, or stealing.

  3. 3.

    Fairly earned or obtained without cheating or deception.

  4. 4.

    (Of an opinion or assessment) Sincere and direct, even if unflattering.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    to be honest — used to introduce a frank statement
  • •
    honest to God — an emphatic expression of truthfulness
  • •
    honest mistake — an unintentional error made without bad intent
  • •
    make an honest living — earn money through legitimate work

Related words

Antonyms: deceitful, deceptive, dishonest, lying
See also: dishonest, honesty, sincere, truthful
Synonyms: candid, frank, genuine, sincere, truthful

Etymology

From Old French honeste ("honorable, decent"), from Latin honestus ("honorable, respectable"), from honor ("honor"). The initial 'h' was silent in earlier English, following French pronunciation.