honest Hear it!

honest definition

hon·est (än′ist)

adjective

  1. Obsolete
    1. held in respect; honorable
    2. respectable, creditable, commendable, seemly, etc.: a generalized epithet of commendation
  2. that will not lie, cheat, or steal; truthful; trustworthy
    1. showing fairness and sincerity; straightforward; free from deceit an honest effort
    2. gained or earned by fair methods, not by cheating, lying, or stealing an honest living
  4. being what it seems; genuine; pure to give honest measure
  5. frank and open an honest face
  6. Archaic virtuous; chaste

Etymology: ME < OFr honeste < L honestus < honor, honor

adverb

Informal honestly; truly: an intensive

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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