How Do You Spell HONEST?

Pronunciation: [ˈɒnɪst] (IPA)

The word "honest" is spelled with an "h" followed by a long "o" sound, represented by the IPA symbol /əʊ/. This is then followed by a "n" sound represented by /n/ and a short "e" sound represented by /ɛ/. Finally, the word ends with a "s" sound represented by /s/. The correct spelling of "honest" is often a difficult word to spell for English language learners, but understanding its phonetic transcription can be helpful in mastering its spelling.

Meaning and Definition
Top Common Misspellings
Other Common Misspellings
Etymology
Idioms
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HONEST Meaning and Definition

  1. Honest is an adjective that describes a person or action characterized by truthfulness, sincerity, and fairness. It is the quality of being truthful and trustworthy, without any intentions of deceiving, cheating, or misleading others. Honesty is an essential virtue that guides individuals to adhere to moral and ethical principles in their words, actions, and relationships.

    An honest person is someone who consistently and willingly communicates and behaves in a truthful manner, even when it may not be advantageous for themselves. Such individuals are known for their integrity, transparency, and reliability. They are inclined to speak the truth, fulfill their commitments, and act fairly in their dealings with others.

    In addition to personal honesty, the term can also be applied to actions, decisions, or systems. An honest action implies that it is not manipulated, falsified, or biased, but rather based on genuine intentions and accurate information. Honest decisions or judgments are fair, impartial, and devoid of any personal biases or hidden agendas.

    When applied to systems, honesty refers to the transparency and openness with which they operate. Honest governance, for example, entails the absence of corruption, nepotism, or favoritism, with the focus being on the greater good and equitable treatment for all.

    In summary, honesty is a fundamental virtue that embraces truthfulness, sincerity, and fairness in a person's character, actions, and relationships. It is an integral aspect of ethical conduct and essential for fostering trust and integrity in society.

  2. • Honesty.
    • Fair in dealing with others; just; frank; hearty; sincere.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for HONEST *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for HONEST

Etymology of HONEST

The word "honest" has its roots in the Latin word "honestus", which means honorable, respected, or noble. It is derived from the verb "honos" which means honor or respect. Over time, this Latin word evolved into the Old French word "honneste", and then further into Middle English as "honest" around the 14th century. The word has retained its general sense of integrity, sincerity, and truthfulness throughout its evolution.

Idioms with the word HONEST

  • make an honest woman (out) of sb The idiom "make an honest woman (out) of sb" is used to describe the act of marrying or legitimizing a woman, typically after having had a sexual relationship with her or having been in a committed relationship for some time. It suggests that by getting married, the person is becoming honest or morally correct in the eyes of society.
  • make an honest living The idiom "make an honest living" refers to earning money or a living through legitimate and ethical means, typically by engaging in legal and morally upright activities or professions. It signifies the importance of working diligently and with integrity to support oneself or one's family without resorting to dishonest or illegal practices.
  • honest and aboveboard The idiom "honest and aboveboard" means to be completely truthful, sincere, and transparent in one's actions, dealings, or intentions. It implies that there are no hidden agendas, secrets, or dishonesty involved.
  • honest to God The idiom "honest to God" is used to emphasize that something is true or genuine. It denotes a sincere or genuine statement, guarantee, or promise, implying complete honesty and truthfulness.
  • make an honest woman of sb The idiom "make an honest woman of sb" typically refers to a man marrying or formalizing a committed relationship with a woman, often implying that the woman is currently in a situation that may be perceived as questionable or morally dubious. By "making an honest woman of her," the man is committing to her and ensuring that their relationship is officially recognized and respected by society.
  • make an honest woman of sm The idiom "make an honest woman of someone" is derived from a traditional wedding vow and it refers to a man marrying the woman he is in a romantic relationship with, often after they have engaged in premarital sexual relations or having children together. It implies that by entering into a formal commitment of marriage, the man is expressing his commitment to the woman and taking responsibility for their relationship and any consequences it may have had.
  • be as honest as the day The idiom "be as honest as the day" means to be completely honest and trustworthy, without any deceit or dishonesty. It implies that the person being referred to has a high moral character and can be relied upon to tell the truth in all situations.
  • be as honest as the day (is long) The idiom "be as honest as the day (is long)" means to be completely honest and trustworthy. It implies that a person's integrity and truthfulness are constant, just like the length of a day.
  • keep sm honest The idiom "keep someone honest" means to prevent someone from becoming deceitful, to keep someone's actions or intentions in check, or to hold someone accountable for their words or promises. It implies ensuring that someone remains truthful, honorable, or sincere.
  • turn an honest penny The idiom "turn an honest penny" means to earn money through fair and conscientious work or business activities. It implies making a decent living or income by engaging in honest and legitimate endeavors.
  • an honest broker An honest broker refers to a person or entity that impartially and objectively mediates or negotiates between two or more conflicting parties, ensuring fairness and integrity throughout the process. This term suggests someone who is trusted and unbiased, helping to find a mutually acceptable solution or agreement.
  • an honest buck The idiom "an honest buck" refers to earning a living through legitimate and ethical means. It implies making money in a fair and honorable way, without engaging in deceitful or illegal practices.
  • an honest mistake The idiom "an honest mistake" refers to a mistake or error that is made without the intention to deceive or harm others. It implies that the error was unintentional and done without any malicious intent.
  • earn an honest buck To "earn an honest buck" means to make money through legitimate and ethical means, typically by engaging in hard work or by being employed in an honest profession or trade. It implies that the person is not resorting to any illegal or unethical practices to make a living and is deserving and respectable in their pursuit of financial gain.
  • earn an honest penny To "earn an honest penny" means to make a living or earn money through honest and legitimate work. It implies working diligently, putting in effort and skill, and receiving fair compensation for one's labor or services.
  • make an honest buck The idiom "make an honest buck" is an expression that refers to earning money through honest and hard work, usually without engaging in any unethical or illegal activities. It implies a sense of integrity, emphasizing the value of earning a living in a fair and upright manner.
  • make an honest woman (out) of (someone) The idiom "make an honest woman (out) of (someone)" is a somewhat outdated expression that refers to a man marrying a woman with whom he has had a sexual relationship or is expecting a child. It implies that by marrying the woman, the man is taking responsibility and ensuring her respectability in society.
  • make an honest woman of The idiom "make an honest woman of" typically refers to a man marrying his long-term girlfriend or partner, usually after a period of cohabitation or engagement, thereby giving her a legitimate and respected status within society.
  • make an honest woman of somebody The idiom "make an honest woman of somebody" is typically used to describe the act of marrying a woman, often in reference to a man who has impregnated her or engaged in a long-term relationship with her without being married. The phrase suggests that by getting married, the couple becomes morally and socially respectable in the eyes of society.
  • make an honest woman of someone The idiom "make an honest woman of someone" typically refers to a man marrying a woman with whom he has engaged in premarital or extramarital relations. It implies that by marrying her, he is rectifying any perceived moral or societal wrongdoing and providing her with a legitimate, honorable status.
  • honest as the day is long The idiom "honest as the day is long" means that someone is exceptionally honest, trustworthy, and reliable. It emphasizes a person's integrity and suggests that they possess a consistent and transparent character, much like the length of a day which remains the same, unaffected by deceit or dishonesty.
  • God's honest truth The idiom "God's honest truth" is used to emphasize that one is speaking with complete sincerity and honesty. It implies that the statement being made is absolutely true and genuine, without any form of fabrication or exaggeration. The phrase often indicates that the speaker is committed to upholding the highest standard of truthfulness, as if they were under divine scrutiny.
  • (as) honest as the day is long The idiom "(as) honest as the day is long" means to be completely honest, trustworthy, and having the utmost integrity. It implies that one's honesty lasts throughout the entire day, without any hint of deception or dishonesty.
  • honest injun The idiom "honest injun" is an expression that is used to emphasize the sincerity or truthfulness of a statement or promise. It is derived from the phrase "honest Indian," and it carries the meaning of being completely honest and trustworthy, often indicating a pledge or assurance of loyalty. It is worth noting, however, that this idiom has been criticized for perpetuating stereotypes and is considered offensive by some people.
  • honest to Pete The idiom "honest to Pete" is a phrase used to emphasize the truthfulness or sincerity of a statement. It is often used as a mild oath or exclamation to emphasize that one is telling the truth or expressing genuine feelings.
  • if I'm honest The idiom "if I'm honest" is typically used as a preface before expressing one's genuine or truthful opinion about something, often indicating that the speaker is about to reveal their true thoughts or feelings on a particular matter. It implies the intention to be sincere and straightforward in the forthcoming statement.
  • keep honest The idiom "keep honest" means to prevent someone from being dishonest or to ensure that someone remains truthful and sincere.
  • the honest truth The idiom "the honest truth" refers to a statement or information that is sincere, genuine, and reliable, without any intention of deception or falsehood. It emphasizes the assertion of truthfulness and integrity in what is being expressed or conveyed.
  • to be honest The idiom "to be honest" is a phrase used to indicate that someone is expressing their thoughts, opinions, or feelings truthfully and sincerely. It implies that the speaker is being open and candid in their statements.
  • honest (to God/goodness) The idiom "honest (to God/goodness)" is an expression used to emphasize that one is being completely sincere, genuine, and truthful. It conveys a strong affirmation of honesty and integrity in one's words or actions, often to counter disbelief or doubt.
  • be nothing if not generous, honest, helpful, etc. The idiom "be nothing if not [characteristic]" means that a person or thing possesses a particular quality to an extremely high degree. It emphasizes that the individual or object's defining characteristic is prominently displayed or consistently demonstrated.
  • Honest to goodness The idiom "Honest to goodness" means something that is genuine, authentic, and truthful.
  • honest! Used to express disbelief or incredulity, often in response to a statement or claim.

Similar spelling words for HONEST

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