noun

honesty

AH-nuh-stee/ˈɑːnəsti/

The quality of being truthful and fair.

Her honesty earns the trust of everyone on the team.

A woman returns a cash-filled wallet to its owner, who has just discovered his empty pocket.

Etymology

Built on “honorable,” the noun originally concerned honor, reputation, and respectable behavior. Its meaning shifted toward moral integrity, including the truthfulness and fairness central today.

In context

Storytime Haven663:26

for some folk have no grace or honesty in their souls, and cannot keep their hands from that which belongs to another.

Sir Nigel ⚔️🌟 | A Tale of Chivalry and Adventure | Arthur Conan Doyle

More examples

I appreciate your honesty about the mistake.
Returning the extra change shows honesty.
In all honesty, I prefer the original design.

Forms

honest adjective — Truthful and fair in one's conduct.

honestly adverb — In a truthful and fair manner.

Similar words

truthfulness: Focuses on telling the truth rather than fair conduct.
integrity: Emphasizes consistent moral principles, not just truthful statements.
sincerity: Emphasizes genuine feelings and intentions rather than factual accuracy.