Honest

Pronunciation

• RP IPA: /ˈɒnɪst/
• US IPA: /ˈɑnɪst/

Origin

From Old French honeste, from Latin honestus, from honor. For the verb, see Latin honestare to clothe or adorn with honour, and compare French honester.

Full definition of honest

Adjective

1. (of a person or institution) Scrupulous with regard to telling the truth; not given to swindling, lying, or fraud; upright.We're the most honest people you will ever come across.
• Sir W. TempleAn honest physician leaves his patient when he can contribute no farther to his health.
2. (of a statement) True, especially as far as is known by the person making the statement; fair; unbiased.an honest account of events; honest reporting
3. In good faith; without malice.an honest mistake
4. (of a measurement device) Accurate.an honest scale
5. Authentic; full.an honest day's work
6. Earned or acquired in a fair manner.an honest dollar
7. Open; frank.an honest countenance
8. (obsolete) Decent; honourable; suitable; becoming.
• ShakespeareBehold what honest clothes you send forth to bleaching!
9. (obsolete) Chaste; faithful; virtuous.
• ShakespeareWives may be merry, and yet honest too.

Synonyms

Antonyms

• dishonest

Derived terms

• honest as the day is long
• honesty

Verb

1. (obsolete) To adorn or grace; to honour; to make becoming, appropriate, or honourable.