honesty
English meaning: Honesty
Definition
The trait of being honest, sincere, and free from deceit.
Example
“His honesty made everyone trust him.”
Another example: “I admire her honesty, even when the truth is something I would rather not hear.”
Usage — When, Where & How
Common noun for the trait of being truthful and free from deceit (honesty is the best policy, with complete honesty). Highly valued in personal and professional contexts. Neutral register.
Etymology & Origin
English — Origin & History
From Latin 'honestas' meaning 'honour, respectability'.
Synonyms
Antonyms / Opposites
- dishonesty
- deceit
- deception
Related Words
- truthfulness
- sincerity
- integrity
- decency
- humility
- openness
- fairness
- diligence
- perseverance
- generosity
- kindness
- sincere
Common Collocations
- complete honesty
- honesty and integrity
- brutal honesty
- honesty is the best policy
- with honesty
Word Forms
honesty (n); honest (adj); honestly (adv)
Word Tools
Literary Heritage
“To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.”
/To thine own self be true/
“Be honest with yourself — and as naturally as night follows day, you will be unable to be false to others.”
“I'm nobody! Who are you? Are you nobody, too?”
/I'm nobody! Who are you?/
“I am nobody — and that quiet anonymity is more honest than the noise of public fame.”
Images
CC-licensed · free to useVideo
Language information
- Language
- English
- English
- Script
- Latin
- Family
- Indo-European
- Speakers
- 1.5B