French Conversation · Level 109
60 words
French word
honnêtement
Pronunciation
IPA/onɛtəmɑ̃/
Meaning
- adverbhonestly
Example
Je dois te dire honnêtement la vérité.
I have to tell you the truth, honestly.
More examples
Il a agi honnêtement envers ses collègues.
He acted honestly toward his colleagues.
Core concept
A speaker placing an unfiltered personal view on the table.
Common phrases
dire honnêtement
say honestly
parler honnêtement
speak honestly
répondre honnêtement
answer honestly
Similar words
sincèrement: Speaking from the heart, without lies or flattery.
franchement: Speaking plainly and directly, without hesitation.
à vrai dire: Used when disclosing the truth of the matter.
Definition in French
De façon sincère, en exprimant ce que l'on pense sans tromperie ni détour.
Word origin
Honnêtement is formed from the adjective honnête by adding the adverbial suffix -ment, while honnête comes from Latin honestus.
Usage tips
- At the beginning of a sentence, honnêtement can mean 'to be honest' as a conversational preface, not only describe how an action is performed.