honest
adjective
ˈɒnɪst 
ˈɑːnɪst 
1 always telling the truth, and never stealing or cheatingan honest man/womanOpposite
dishonest2 not hiding the truth about somethingan honest answerhonest (about something) Are you being completely honest about your feelings?honest (with somebody) Thank you for being so honest with me.Give me your honest opinion.The meeting was described as ‘a frank and honest exchange of views’.To be honest (= what I really think is), it was one of the worst books I've ever read.Let's be honest, she's only interested in Mike because of his money.3 showing an honest mind or attitudeShe's got an honest face.4 (of work or wages) earned or resulting from hard workHe hasn't done an honest day's work in his life.It's quite a struggle to make an honest living.She claimed she was just trying to earn an honest penny.Help
Use an, not a, before honest.Idioms
honest!
(informal) used to emphasize that you are not lyingI 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.Help
Some people find this use offensive.make an honest woman of somebody
(old-fashioned, humorous) to marry a woman after having had a sexual relationship with her
Usage note: honestfrank direct open outspoken straight bluntThese words all describe people saying exactly what they mean without trying to hide feelings, opinions or facts.honest not hiding the truth about something: Thank you for being so honest with me.frank honest in what you say, sometimes in a way that other people might not like: To be frank with you, I think your son has little chance of passing the exam.direct saying exactly what you mean in a way that nobody can pretend not to understand: You'll have to get used to his direct manner. Being direct is sometimes considered positive but sometimes it is used as a ‘polite’ way of saying that somebody is rude.open (approving) (of a person) not keeping thoughts and feelings hidden: He was quite open about his reasons for leaving.outspoken saying exactly what you think, even if this shocks or offends people: She was outspoken in her criticism of the plan.straight honest and direct: I don't think you're being straight with me.blunt saying exactly what you think without trying to be polite: She has a reputation for blunt speaking.which word?Honest and frank refer to what you say as much as how you say it: a(n) honest/frank admission of guilt. They are generally positive words, although it is possible to be too frank in a way that other people might not like. Direct, outspoken and blunt all describe somebody's manner of saying what they think. Outspoken suggests that you are willing to shock people by saying what you believe to be right. Blunt and direct often suggest that you think honesty is more important than being polite. Open is positive and describes somebody's character: I'm a very open person.honest/frank/direct/open/outspoken/straight about somethinghonest/frank/direct/open/straight/blunt with somebodya(n) honest/direct/straight/blunt answera frank/direct/blunt manner