WordGarden.iotruthfully
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /trˈuːθfəli/
US
- /ˈtruθfəli/
Meanings
Adverb
in a truthful or factually accurate way
used to mark a statement as sincere or candid
Beyond the definition
To speak truthfully means to say what is real, without changing the facts or hiding what happened. It is about being honest and sincere in your words. Sometimes, it takes courage to speak truthfully, especially when the news is hard or when people may not want to hear it. A detective might ask a suspect to describe an event truthfully in order to learn what really happened. When you speak truthfully again and again, people learn that they can trust you. Think of Pinocchio: he could not tell a lie without his nose growing. In the end, speaking truthfully helps build trust, while dishonesty slowly breaks it.
Truthfully is an adverb that describes how something is said or done. It means "in an honest and accurate way." A statement can be true, but saying something truthfully also suggests that the speaker is being open, sincere, and not trying to mislead anyone.
You might say, "Truthfully, I wasn't expecting such a generous gift," to show that your surprise is real. You might also say, "He truthfully admitted his mistake," to show that he did not try to hide what he had done or blame someone else. The word can also appear at the start of a sentence before a direct opinion, as in: "Truthfully, this project isn't working out in its current form."
The feeling behind truthfully is closely tied to personal honesty. It is not only about giving the facts. It is also about speaking in a way that is open and real, even when that may feel difficult, awkward, or uncomfortable.
Consider a courtroom setting: witnesses promise to tell the truth. To testify truthfully carries that same idea of steady honesty and personal responsibility. More broadly, the word suggests the kind of speech that supports strong relationships, clear communication, and lasting trust.
Examples
- 1
Questions
Please answer the questions truthfully.
- 2
Personal mistakes
She spoke truthfully about her mistakes.
- 3
Honest feeling
Truthfully, I was relieved when the meeting was canceled.
- PhraseTruthfully, ...
used to introduce what you really think or feel
- 4
Careful denial
I can't truthfully say that I enjoyed the trip.
- Phrasecan't truthfully say
it would not be honest to say
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Realistic description
The book describes village life truthfully, without making it seem romantic.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- answer truthfully
- speak truthfully
- testify truthfully
- truthfully, I
Word family
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Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- truthfullyadverb