honesthon‧est /ˈɒnɪst $ ˈɑːn-/ ●●● S2 W3 adjective 
He was a hard-working honest man. Ann had an honest face.2statement/answer etc not hiding the truth or the facts about something SYN frank: Do you want my honest opinion? an honest answer Let’s be honest: the only reason she married him was for his money.honest with At least he was honest with you.honest about She was always very honest about her feelings. → see Thesaurus box on 0000003to be honest (with you) spoken used when you tell someone what you really think: To be honest, I don’t like him very much.4honest! spoken used to try to make someone believe you: I didn’t mean to hurt him, honest!5honest to God spoken used to emphasize that something you say is true: Honest to God, I wasn’t there.6work honest work is done using your own efforts and without cheating: I bet he’s never done an honest day’s work in his life! I’m just trying to earn an honest living.7ordinary good people honest people are not famous or special, but behave in a good, socially acceptable way: She came from a good honest working-class background.8make an honest woman (out) of somebody old-fashioned to marry a woman because you have had a sexual relationship with herTHESAURUSnot cheating, stealing, lying etchonest always saying what is true, and not cheating, stealing etc: · I liked them because they were good honest people.· You can trust Noah – he’s totally honest.reputable known to be honest and good in your business or work – used about people, companies, or organizations: · It’s best to buy from a reputable company.· They were highly reputable sports physicians.above board [not before noun] honest and legal – used about the way something is done, organized etc: · The deal was entirely above board.· Was the voting in the elections above board?upright written always behaving in an honest way: · an upright citizen· George was an upright man from a military family.not hiding the truth or the factshonest saying what you really think and not hiding the truth or the facts: · I’m going to ask you something, and I want you to be honest with me.· an honest answer· To be honest, I didn’t think his speech was very good.straight informal honest and saying what you really think: · I can’t help you if you’re not straight with me.· I need a straight answer.open willing to talk about what you think, feel etc in an honest way, rather than trying to hide it: · People have become more open about their feelings.· She’s very easy to talk to because she’s so open.frank speaking honestly and directly about something, especially something that people find difficult to discuss: · In his book, he’s brutally frank about his experience with his illness.· a frank discussion about sexdirect saying exactly what you think in an honest clear way, even when this might annoy or upset people: · Not everyone liked his direct manner.· She can be very direct.blunt speaking in a completely honest way, even if it upsets people, when it would be better to be more careful or polite: · Sorry if I was a bit blunt with you.· His hard tone and blunt words were hurtful.· She didn’t reply and I knew I had been too blunt.upfront [not before noun] informal talking and behaving in an honest way, even when it is difficult to do this, in a way that people respect: · It’s best to be upfront about your financial problems.· You have to be upfront with kids.outspoken expressing your opinions publicly in a very direct way, which may offend or annoy some people: · an outspoken critic of the government· He was known for his outspoken views on various controversies.forthright formal saying exactly what what you think, without being afraid of what other people will think: · The opposition have not come up with a clear forthright statement of their policies.· At times, Helena was a little too forthright.candid formal honest about the facts, or about your opinions and feelings, even if other people disapprove of them: · He’d always been completely candid about his past.· It was an unusually candid admission for a politician.
WORD ORIGINhonest
Origin:
1200-1300 Old French honeste, from Latin honestus, from honor; ➔ HONOREXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- a fair and honest businessman
- All we are asking is that management be honest with us, even if the situation is difficult.
- As the job involves handling large amounts of money, it's essential that our workers are honest.
- He's one of the few honest politicians we have left.
- I don't think she's being completely honest about what she knows.
- She was scrupulously honest in all her business dealings.
- Tell me where you were - and I want an honest answer.
- They were good, honest, hard-working people.
- You can always rely on Stewart to be honest.
- You need to have an honest opinion of yourself.
- He is being honest and honesty is such a rare quality in a performer that the audience are stunned.
- It's probably the only honest bit of politics left.
- Recommending a strong secretary-general can sound like touting safe airlines or honest stockbrokers.
- She horrifies me, to be honest.
- That was the most honest part of her.
- The attendant was entirely honest in his answers to my questions and in the amount of fuel he pumped.
- They also need to be embarrassed and confronted by their honest countrymen.
- They are flash people who have money to throw about, and not all the money they throw about is honest money.
THESAURUSnot cheating, stealing, lying etc
always saying what is true, and not cheating, stealing etc: · I liked them because they were good honest people.· You can trust Noah – he’s totally honest.
known to be honest and good in your business or work – used about people, companies, or organizations: · It’s best to buy from a reputable company.· They were highly reputable sports physicians.
[not before noun] honest and legal – used about the way something is done, organized etc: · The deal was entirely above board.· Was the voting in the elections above board?
written always behaving in an honest way: · an upright citizen· George was an upright man from a military family.
not hiding the truth or the facts saying what you really think and not hiding the truth or the facts: · I’m going to ask you something, and I want you to be honest with me.· an honest answer· To be honest, I didn’t think his speech was very good.
informal honest and saying what you really think: · I can’t help you if you’re not straight with me.· I need a straight answer.
willing to talk about what you think, feel etc in an honest way, rather than trying to hide it: · People have become more open about their feelings.· She’s very easy to talk to because she’s so open.
speaking honestly and directly about something, especially something that people find difficult to discuss: · In his book, he’s brutally frank about his experience with his illness.· a frank discussion about sex
saying exactly what you think in an honest clear way, even when this might annoy or upset people: · Not everyone liked his direct manner.· She can be very direct.
speaking in a completely honest way, even if it upsets people, when it would be better to be more careful or polite: · Sorry if I was a bit blunt with you.· His hard tone and blunt words were hurtful.· She didn’t reply and I knew I had been too blunt.
[not before noun] informal talking and behaving in an honest way, even when it is difficult to do this, in a way that people respect: · It’s best to be upfront about your financial problems.· You have to be upfront with kids.
expressing your opinions publicly in a very direct way, which may offend or annoy some people: · an outspoken critic of the government· He was known for his outspoken views on various controversies.
formal saying exactly what what you think, without being afraid of what other people will think: · The opposition have not come up with a clear forthright statement of their policies.· At times, Helena was a little too forthright.
formal honest about the facts, or about your opinions and feelings, even if other people disapprove of them: · He’d always been completely candid about his past.· It was an unusually candid admission for a politician.
Longman Language Activatorsomeone who does not cheat, steal, break the law etc someone who is honest does not lie, steal or cheat, and can be trusted: · He's one of the few honest politicians we have left.· As the job involves handling large amounts of money, it's essential that our workers are honest.scrupulously honest (=very careful to always be completely honest): · She was scrupulously honest in all her business dealings.
known to be honest, especially in your business activities: · She had her antique vases valued by a reputable dealer.· Before you buy a used car it's best to go to a reputable garage.· How do we know that all the firms involved in this deal are reputable?
known to be very honest - use this especially about someone who is in a position in which it is important to be trusted: · People who look after other people's money should be above suspicion.· During the investigation no one will be considered above suspicion.
if you can trust someone, you are sure that they are honest and that you can depend on them: · Beth's an honest hardworking girl who I know I can trust.can trust somebody to do something: · I knew I could trust Neil to look after the money.
someone who tells the truth someone who is honest says what they really think or what is really happening, and does not try to hide the truth or deceive people: · You can always rely on Stewart to be honest.honest about: · I don't think she's being completely honest about what she knows.be honest with somebody: · All we are asking is that management be honest with us, even if the situation is difficult.honest answer/reply etc: · Tell me where you were - and I want an honest answer.
someone who is truthful does not lie: · As a child she was obedient and truthful.· Not everyone believes the government is being truthful.truthful about: · He has clearly not been truthful about the nature of their relationship.be truthful with somebody: · I hope we can be truthful with each other.truthful account/story/answer etc: · It is unlikely that a truthful account of conditions in the prison will ever be seen.
showing your true feelings and what you really believe: · She said she would love to come, but I wasn't sure if she was being sincere.· My client extends his sincere apologies to anyone who may have been hurt by his actions.
talking in an honest and direct way, especially about subjects that are difficult to talk about: · I'll be frank with you - I don't think you're doing a very good job.· Parents should not be afraid to have frank discussions about sex with their children.frank about: · Graham was surprisingly frank about his feelings.be frank with somebody: · The doctor was very frank with me and told me how serious my condition was.
honest, friendly, and happy to tell other people the truth, especially about things that other people might be embarrassed to talk about: · Diana's very easy to talk to because she's so open.· He's a nice looking young man with an open, honest smile.open about: · Greg has always been very open about his sexuality.
saying exactly what you think in an honest, clear way, even though this may sometimes annoy or upset other people: · People were often scared of my father, who was very direct.· With her direct manner and good head for business she was soon promoted.
honest and willing to tell the truth, even if the truth is unpleasant: · He's always up front and willing to admit his mistakes.up front about: · The company's directors have been surprisingly up front about their financial problems.be up front with somebody: · Karen is always very up front with her boyfriends.
especially spoken honest and likely to tell people exactly what you think or what is happening, without trying to hide anything: · Tony Blair stated that he was 'a pretty straight kind of guy'.be straight with somebody: · I don't care what you've done, Mike - just be straight with me.straight answer: · I've asked several people what happened, but no one will give me a straight answer.
especially written honest about your opinions and feelings, even if other people disapprove of them: · Lena is amusingly candid when she talks about the men in her life.candid about: · The management team has been very candid about the problems the company is now facing.candid discussion/conversation/comment etc: · She led a candid discussion about race relations in the city.
so honest that some people think you are rude saying honestly what you think in a way that often seems rude: · She was by nature forthright and impatient.· Bruck's forthright comments angered several people in the audience.
saying what is true or what you really think, especially in a situation in which other people would be more polite: · His response was a blunt "no."· Maria can be very blunt and sometimes shocks people who don't know her well.
to speak honestly to be honest in what you say: · He wouldn't believe that I was telling the truth.· When you testify in court, you have to swear to tell the truth.tell somebody the truth: · Tell me the truth - does this dress make me look fat?
spoken say this before giving your honest opinion, especially when your opinion may sound unkind or surprising: · To be honest, I don't really like babies.· I wish I'd never met him, to be quite honest.· To be honest with you, I never expected him to get the job.· In all honesty, I've got no idea where she's living now.
spoken you say to be frank or frankly before giving your honest opinion, especially when your opinion may sound unkind or shocking : · To be frank, George isn't very good at the job.· Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn.· Well, frankly, I think this proves that there are a lot of people making laws in this country who don't really know what they're doing.
to be honest with someone, especially when they have asked you to give them the correct story, reason etc: · I promise I won't get angry. Just level with me and tell me what happened.· I'm going to level with you - some of the other managers don't think you're ready for a promotion.
to be honest and give someone all the facts about a situation, even if they are unpleasant: · I told her straight that she was wrong. · The people who report to me have to be willing to tell it like it is.
to say exactly what you think even if it offends people: · She believes in speaking her mind, which makes her very unpopular.· Larry isn't afraid to speak his mind, even in front of the boss.
to say what you think in a way that you know might offend other people: · Helmut didn't mince any words in his criticism of the department.
to say exactly what you think about someone or something, especially in a situation where other people would be more polite: · Why not call a spade a spade and say that she's incompetent, if that's what you're thinking.
to speak honestly about someone or something, especially when you are criticizing them, without thinking about their feelings: · Rollins pulled no punches in his memoir, especially when writing about the political system.
when someone behaves in an honest way · Are you questioning my honesty?· Judy answered all the panel's questions with honesty and courage.· As a newspaper reporter I am committed to honesty and accuracy.
when you say or do things in a way that shows clearly that you honestly mean them: · "I'll do anything I can to help," she said with sincerity.· Nothing about his behavior leads me to doubt his sincerity.
when you are honest, friendly and happy to tell people the truth about yourself, especially about things that other people might be embarrassed to talk about: · Intimacy in a relationship requires openness.· The public expects complete openness from the President about his health.
British /candor American when you are honest about your opinions and feelings, even if other people disapprove of them: · Winik writes with great candor, which has won her a wide following.· After so many lies from politicians, Dunbar's candour is refreshing.
when you are very honest and always have the same moral principles in every situation: · Councilman Hughey's integrity is unquestioned.man/woman of integrity: · She is a woman of integrity who has never abandoned her principles for the sake of making money.
to admit something that you feel embarrassed or ashamed about · "I've always hated flying," Lisa confessed.admit/confess (that) · She admits that she occasionally bets on horses.· Dave confessed he didn't visit his parents as often as he should.admit/confess (to) doing something · Monica admitted playing rather badly in her last match. · He confesses to being afraid of the dark.I must admit/confess (=say this when you do not know something or cannot do something ) · I must admit I was never very good at dancing.· I don't really like kids, I must confess.
say this when you admit something that other people might disagree with or disapprove of: · "What do you think of John?" "To be honest, I don't like him at all."· To tell the truth, I wasn't really listening to what everyone was saying.· To be perfectly honest, I don't think she should have married him.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY Let’s be honest: the only reason she married him was for his money. I bet he’s never done an honest day’s work in his life! I’m just trying to earn an honest living.COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES
Let’s be honest: the only reason she married him was for his money. I bet he’s never done an honest day’s work in his life! I’m just trying to earn an honest living.· The honest answer is that I don’t know.
(=a particular way of doing business) a reputation for fair dealing
a reputation for fair dealing (=a mistake, and not a deliberate action)· Thomas admitted he had broken the law, but said that it had been an honest mistake.
(=used to emphasize that you are telling the truth)· We never came here to steal anything, and that’s the honest truth.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADVERB· The Radio 1 playlist is much maligned, but it is as honest and fair as any system.· We never hid anything from them and were as honest as we knew how to be.· Be as honest as you can.· I told her about myself in as honest terms as I could.
· These mandatory standards and minimum compensation made the international ocean bill of lading a more honest instrument.· Or, to be more honest, where had it been?· It may be more honest to face this for what it is.· On the contrary, they are generally more honest.· In an absurd world, perhaps a bit of nervous laughter is more honest than floods of tears.· A modicum of order and justice was not imposed until 1784, after which a more honest regime was established.· It would have been more honest to say that I thought the litterbug needed a lesson.· The truth is that Melanie is all too typical of women today, if more honest.
· This makes even the most honest of answers seem indecisive and uncertain.· That was the most honest part of her.· He was one of the most honest men she had ever met.
· To be perfectly honest, I like Depardieu a lot.· To be perfectly honest, it left me pretty cold.· To be perfectly honest, the place is an eyesore, an abomination.· A rare privilege, and one you didn't deserve, to be perfectly honest.
· Thanks for being so honest with me.· The same voice, sounding so honest and joyful that you want to believe, even when you know the truth.· Lisa, Newquay Thanks for being so honest, Lisa.· He was so honest and up front with me.· But this one was so poignant, so honest.· They're so honest, so straight.
· Created so by Ted Mosse, lover of uniforms, not too honest, deceased.· Here were depths that Gordon could not easily contend with, and he was much too honest to minimize them.· But Mr Utterson was too honest a man and a lawyer to do that.· You are too honest to be trusted with some secrets.· He was too honest and hardworking.· You keep denying this, but you're too honest to get away with it.· He was both too honest and too fond of Freeborn to make comforting and platitudinous promises.
· This is the classic gesture used by those who are not being totally honest.· He has no time for players who are not totally honest with him or with their approach to the game.
· She was normally a very honest person - so why had she just lied through her teeth?· They were open about everything and very honest.· However, you must be very honest when looking at your mare, because dubious mares breed dubious foals.· He is a very honest man.· He was very honest with her about his wife.
NOUN· The honest answer is another question; well what is there?· In my mind, it was the only truly honest answer to my question.· Unless it means he can't give an honest answer.· Sadly the only honest answer to this question is that nobody knows.· Please can we have some honest answers which really address the true situation?· An honest answer seems to be that no one has the slightest idea.· Thoughtful and honest answers to questions.· No must surely be the honest answer.
· His style is lucid and he emerges as an honest broker who judiciously weighs the historical evidence.· Amoda tried to explain what I had said, to play the honest broker.· By offering pre-service training we can surely do no worse than act as honest brokers in a fairly honourable profession.· But he was never an honest broker.
· If only she could have seen them, seen their disappointment as she hurled their creation back in their honest faces.· We have seen the honest faces of the hometown insurance representative on television ads, face after face, year after year.· Henry Jekyll had a kind, open, honest face.· He had a round, honest face with receding fair hair.· He had an open, honest face.· Harry was a handsome young man of about twenty-five, with a cheerful, honest face and friendly manners.· She had an open, honest face, a natural smile and full lips which belied the uncompromising tone of her words.· Sadie looked across at the open, honest face of her husband.
· I worship her and she won't make an honest man of me.· Not only would there be elections but an honest man was going to run for president.· He found him a hard-working and honest man, if a little curt and tacit.· They that are honest men themselves are not apt to suspect other people.· But we have some time before the treasure is found, and there are some honest men among the crew.· But the most important single factor was the man who had built the business was an honest man.· They had not consciously memorised the names or done anything which an honest man would consider wrong.
· Rex is as capable of making an honest mistake as he is of lying.· It had been an honest mistake, though, the paddy wagon men believing he was dead or dying.· It had been an honest mistake.
· They were arrogant but, by and large, they were decent, honest people.· The image of the war that I sketched earlier continues to color the efforts of many honest people.· Amid the flow of migrants there may be murderers and rapists, but also honest people.· The society had become so perverted by power and corruption that honest people were considered to be stupid.· In school, we were taught by teachers who were conscientious and honest people.· This is a topic about which honest people can differ.· It was unforgivable, the butcher declared, a cretinous act that had stopped honest people going about their business.· As it happens I ve got a lot of time for honest people like Mr Bassett.
· She was normally a very honest person - so why had she just lied through her teeth?· It must have stuck in her mind, that an honest person might act out of character when severely threatened.· This in my opinion is a poor reward for honest persons like me.· Two friends of the woman countered by saying she was an honest person who was bruised and upset by what happened.· Dole supporters described the Senate majority leader as a decent, honest person.
· He was sensitive, vulnerable, amazed when his honest truths gave offence.· Sherman, tell me the honest truth.· The honest truth, never before revealed, is that there are two types of slimmer.
· An honest woman changes her name: she marries.· Why does Lord Staveley say that no honest woman is safe with you?· The majority of the camp followers were however, good honest women who were the wives and sweethearts of the troops.· If dishonoured her, must then make an honest woman of her?
· In some strange way he was grateful to the man for looking after Eline, for finding her honest work.· Looking for nearly honest work, &.
PHRASES FROM THE ENTRY► honest to GodPHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► honest to God► honest Injun
- If dishonoured her, must then make an honest woman of her?
- But some kind of late-blooming compulsion to be honest is making it harder for me to stay under cover.
- I had to be honest with them.
- Most of the time he was really uptight, and to be honest, looking back, we weren't truly professional.
- She horrifies me, to be honest.
- This would take some courage but something inside her was urging her to be honest.
- To be honest I think he has an over-active gland, always trying to inveigle his way into my bed.
- To be honest, Cowher would have been just as happy to still be playing then.
- To be honest, it was relatively painless.
- I didn't mean to hurt him, honest!
- David was loyal to a fault, and in his naive understanding quietly expected the same kind of loyalty in return.
- He is loyal to a fault, even to his enemies.
- His father's brother, Gloucester had hitherto been loyal to a fault.
- Your tutor may be generous to a fault but can not reward irrelevance or peripheral knowledge display. 3.
- "Are you on drugs?" "No, honest to God, I'm not."
- Honest to God, I wasn't there.
- Although he did not reject a fact-finding mission outright, Major was clearly less than enthusiastic about the idea.
- But in the same interview Mr Dole, as is his way, was a little less than helpful to the president.
- But the way in which they are present may be less than helpful.
- In this dilemma, Eliot was less than helpful to his apologists.
- Not surprisingly, the reaction of local residents to the schemes was less than enthusiastic.
- The refugees are naturally less than enthusiastic about this.
- Those who had known him from that earlier period, however, were less than enthusiastic about his elevation.
- Let's face it, Scott. We're not as young as we used to be.
WORD FAMILYnounhonesty ≠ dishonestyadjectivehonest ≠ dishonestadverbhonestly ≠ dishonestly
1character someone who is honest always tells the truth and does not cheat or steal OPP dishonest: He was a hard-working honest man. Ann had an honest face.2statement/answer etc not hiding the truth or the facts about something SYN frank: Do you want my honest opinion? an honest answer Let’s be honest: the only reason she married him was for his money.honest with At least he was honest with you.honest about She was always very honest about her feelings. → see Thesaurus box on 0000003to be honest (with you) spoken used when you tell someone what you really think: To be honest, I don’t like him very much.4honest! spoken used to try to make someone believe you: I didn’t mean to hurt him, honest!5honest to God spoken used to emphasize that something you say is true: Honest to God, I wasn’t there.6work honest work is done using your own efforts and without cheating: I bet he’s never done an honest day’s work in his life! I’m just trying to earn an honest living.7ordinary good people honest people are not famous or special, but behave in a good, socially acceptable way: She came from a good honest working-class background.8make an honest woman (out) of somebody old-fashioned to marry a woman because you have had a sexual relationship with herTHESAURUSnot cheating, stealing, lying etchonest always saying what is true, and not cheating, stealing etc: · I liked them because they were good honest people.· You can trust Noah – he’s totally honest.reputable known to be honest and good in your business or work – used about people, companies, or organizations: · It’s best to buy from a reputable company.· They were highly reputable sports physicians.above board [not before noun] honest and legal – used about the way something is done, organized etc: · The deal was entirely above board.· Was the voting in the elections above board?upright written always behaving in an honest way: · an upright citizen· George was an upright man from a military family.not hiding the truth or the factshonest saying what you really think and not hiding the truth or the facts: · I’m going to ask you something, and I want you to be honest with me.· an honest answer· To be honest, I didn’t think his speech was very good.straight informal honest and saying what you really think: · I can’t help you if you’re not straight with me.· I need a straight answer.open willing to talk about what you think, feel etc in an honest way, rather than trying to hide it: · People have become more open about their feelings.· She’s very easy to talk to because she’s so open.frank speaking honestly and directly about something, especially something that people find difficult to discuss: · In his book, he’s brutally frank about his experience with his illness.· a frank discussion about sexdirect saying exactly what you think in an honest clear way, even when this might annoy or upset people: · Not everyone liked his direct manner.· She can be very direct.blunt speaking in a completely honest way, even if it upsets people, when it would be better to be more careful or polite: · Sorry if I was a bit blunt with you.· His hard tone and blunt words were hurtful.· She didn’t reply and I knew I had been too blunt.upfront [not before noun] informal talking and behaving in an honest way, even when it is difficult to do this, in a way that people respect: · It’s best to be upfront about your financial problems.· You have to be upfront with kids.outspoken expressing your opinions publicly in a very direct way, which may offend or annoy some people: · an outspoken critic of the government· He was known for his outspoken views on various controversies.forthright formal saying exactly what what you think, without being afraid of what other people will think: · The opposition have not come up with a clear forthright statement of their policies.· At times, Helena was a little too forthright.candid formal honest about the facts, or about your opinions and feelings, even if other people disapprove of them: · He’d always been completely candid about his past.· It was an unusually candid admission for a politician.