What is honest? Pronunciation and usage in English

honest means . Learn how to pronounce and use honest through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of honest

honestadjective

/ˈɒnɪst/
Definition & pronunciation of honest

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "honest" in English. It's a tricky one for learners because it doesn't follow the typical English pronunciation rules!

Here's a breakdown:

  • ha – This part sounds like the "ha" in "hat" or "happy." It's a short, clear "ah" sound.
  • nest – This is the trickiest part. It sounds like the word "nest." Crucially, the "n" is silent. It’s a very short, quick “n” sound.

Putting it together:

It’s essentially “ha-nest” – spoken quickly and smoothly.

Here are a few resources to hear it:

Key takeaway: The "n" is silent! That’s the biggest thing to focus on.

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  • Repeat the pronunciation for you?
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Usage and examples with the word honest in English

Let's break down how to use the word "honest" in English. It's a really important and versatile word!

1. Core Meaning:

At its simplest, "honest" means truthful and genuine. It describes someone who tells the truth, doesn't lie, and is sincere.

2. How to Use It as an Adjective (Describing People):

  • Describing a person's character: This is the most common way to use "honest."

    • "She's an honest woman, always telling the truth."
    • "He’s known for his honest opinions, even if they’re difficult to hear."
    • "It's important to be honest with your friends and family."
    • "A honest person is reliable and trustworthy."

  • Describing actions: You can also use it to describe something someone did.

    • "He was honest about his mistakes."
    • "She gave an honest account of the accident."
    • "The company promised to be honest about their pricing."

3. How to Use It as an Adjective (Describing Things):

  • Describing policies or statements:
    • "The politician’s honest promises were refreshing."
    • "The report presented an honest assessment of the situation."
    • "I appreciate your honest feedback, even though it was critical.”

4. How to Use It as an Adverb (Rare, but Possible):

  • "He spoke honestly about his concerns." (This is less common than using it as an adjective. Usually, you’d say “He spoke frankly.”)

5. Related Words and Phrases:

  • Honesty: This is the noun form – it refers to the quality of being honest. “We value honesty above all else."
  • Honest: (pronounced "on-est") – The adjective itself.
  • Frankly: Often used interchangeably with "honestly" – "Frankly, I don't think that's a good idea."
  • Truthful: Similar meaning to honest.
  • Sincere: Also signifies genuine and truthful.

6. Synonyms (Words with similar meanings):

  • Truthful
  • Genuine
  • Sincere
  • Upright
  • Candid
  • Straightforward
  • Open

Examples in Sentences:

  • “I admire her for her honest approach to problems.”
  • “He was honest with me about his feelings, and I appreciate that.”
  • "It’s crucial to maintain honesty in all your dealings."
  • “She demonstrated honesty by admitting she was wrong.”

Resources for More Practice:

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  • Are you trying to use "honest" in a specific context (e.g., writing an email, giving a presentation, a conversation)?

Synonyms for the word honest

Idioms of the word honest

honest!
(informal)used to emphasize that you are not lying
  • I didn't mean it, honest!
honest to God/goodness
used to emphasize that what you are saying is true
  • Honest to God, Mary, I'm not joking.
make an honest woman of somebody
(old-fashioned, humorous)to marry a woman after having had a sexual relationship with her, especially if she is pregnant

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