WordGarden.iohonesty
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /ˈɒnɪsti/
US
- /ˈɑnəsti/
Meanings
Noun
the quality of being truthful, fair, and morally upright
a flowering plant with flat translucent seed pods
Beyond the definition
It is not only about not telling lies. It is about being truthful in your words, your actions, and your intentions. Think of a clear mountain stream: you can see all the way to the bottom because nothing is hidden. That is what this quality feels like: open and real. You might say a politician lacks it if they keep changing their story, or praise a friend for speaking the truth even when it is hard to hear. It builds trust, and without it, trust slowly falls apart. It is one of the foundations of strong relationships and peace of mind.
Honesty is the quality of being truthful, sincere, and free from deceit. It is more than just avoiding lies; it also includes doing what is right even when no one is watching. It is not always easy. Sometimes telling the truth can be painful or bring difficult results, but choosing it shows respect for yourself and for other people.
We often talk about honesty in business or government, meaning a commitment to openness and truthful communication. But it also appears in everyday life: admitting you made a mistake, being clear about your feelings, or refusing to take credit for someone else's work all show honesty.
The opposite of honesty is deception, which means intentionally misleading other people. While small "white lies" may seem harmless, repeated dishonesty can damage relationships and weaken trust over time. Think of Pinocchio: his nose grew every time he lied.
Honesty is not just a virtue; it is a basic part of strong communities, real connections, and a good life. It helps us build genuine relationships based on mutual respect and understanding. So, aim to practice honesty in all your dealings. It is a quality that will serve you well throughout life.
Examples
- 1
Appreciation
I appreciate your honesty.
- 2
School incident
The teacher thanked him for his honesty about what had happened.
- Patternhonesty about + topic/event
being open when talking about it
- 3
Medical appointment
Honesty with your doctor is important, even when the topic feels personal.
- Patternhonesty with + person
being open and truthful with that person
- 4
Team trust
Her honesty made it easier for the team to trust her.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Company ethics
The report raised serious questions about the company's honesty.
- 6
Direct criticism
I asked for brutal honesty, so she told me the design was confusing.
- Phrasebrutal honesty
very direct truth that may feel a little harsh
- 7
Politics
We need more honesty in politics, not just clever speeches.
- 8
Speaking openly
In all honesty, I think this plan needs more work.
- Phrasein all honesty
speaking very openly
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- in all honesty
- brutal honesty
- intellectual honesty
- honesty is the best policy
Word family
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Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- honestynoun