Dictionary

1honest

adjective hon·est \ˈä-nəst\

: good and truthful : not lying, stealing, or cheating

: showing or suggesting a good and truthful character

: not hiding the truth about someone or something : not meant to deceive someone

Full Definition of HONEST

1
a :  free from fraud or deception :  legitimate, truthful <an honest plea>
b :  genuine, real <making honest stops at stop signs — Christian Science Monitor>
c :  humble, plain <good honest food>
2
a :  reputable, respectable <honest decent people>
b chiefly British :  good, worthy
3
:  creditable, praiseworthy <an honest day's work>
4
a :  marked by integrity
b :  marked by free, forthright, and sincere expression :  frank <an honest appraisal>
c :  innocent, simple
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Origin of HONEST

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin honestus honorable, from honos, honor honor
First Known Use: 14th century

Synonym Discussion of HONEST

upright, honest, just, conscientious, scrupulous, honorable mean having or showing a strict regard for what is morally right. upright implies a strict adherence to moral principles <a stern and upright minister>. honest stresses adherence to such virtues as truthfulness, candor, fairness <known for being honest in business dealings>. just stresses conscious choice and regular practice of what is right or equitable <workers given just compensation>. conscientious and scrupulous imply an active moral sense governing all one's actions and painstaking efforts to follow one's conscience <conscientious in the completion of her assignments> <scrupulous in carrying out the terms of the will>. honorable suggests a firm holding to codes of right behavior and the guidance of a high sense of honor and duty <a difficult but honorable decision>.

2honest

adverb

Definition of HONEST

1
:  in an honest manner :  honestly <I have ever found thee honest true — Shakespeare>
2
:  with all sincerity <I didn't do it, honest>

First Known Use of HONEST

1596
HONEST Defined for Kids

honest

adjective hon·est \ˈä-nəst\

Definition of HONEST for Kids

1
:  not engaging in or involving cheating, stealing, or lying <an honest citizen> <an honest living>
2
:  not marked by lies or trickery :  straightforward <an honest answer>
3
:  being just what is indicated :  real, genuine <He did an honest day's work.>

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