honest

Definition

Scrupulous with regard to telling the truth; not given to swindling, lying, or fraud; upright.

Etymology

From Middle English honest, honeste (“honourable, appropriate, excellent”), from Old French honeste, from Latin honestus, from honor. For the verb, see Latin honestāre (“to clothe or adorn with honour”), and compare French honester. Displaced native Old English sōþfæst (literally “truth-firm”).

Example Sentences

• "brutally honest"
• "We’re the most honest people you will ever come across."
• "A true and honest physician is excused for leaving his patient, when he finds the disease grown desperate"

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