Honesty: meaning, definitions and examples
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honesty
['ɒnɪsti ]
Definitions
in relationships
The quality of being honest and having strong moral principles; moral uprightness.
Synonyms
integrity, sincerity, truthfulness.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| honesty |
Honesty is used when someone is truthful and open, especially in everyday situations, such as admitting mistakes or not hiding the truth.
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| integrity |
Integrity is often used in more formal or professional settings to describe someone who adheres to moral and ethical principles, even when no one is watching.
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| truthfulness |
Truthfulness is used to describe the quality of consistently telling the truth and being accurate in what one says. It is often used in contexts that require strict adherence to facts.
|
| sincerity |
Sincerity means being genuine and free from pretense, deceit, or hypocrisy, often in personal interactions or emotions.
|
Examples of usage
- She valued honesty above all else in her friendships.
- His honesty and integrity made him a trusted employee.
in communication
The quality of being fair and straightforward in speech and behavior.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| honesty |
Often used in a general sense to describe truthfulness and integrity. Suitable for formal and informal contexts.
|
| sincerity |
Highlights genuine and heartfelt honesty, often used to describe emotions, relationships, or intentions.
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| candor |
Implying openness and a refreshing bluntness, often used in professional or intellectual settings. Sometimes perceived as bold.
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| frankness |
Suggests directness in speech, often used in personal conversations or when emphasizing plain speaking. May sometimes seem harsh.
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Examples of usage
- His honesty in negotiations earned him respect from his colleagues.
- She appreciated his honesty when he admitted his mistake.
in character
The quality of being free from deceit or fraud.
Synonyms
probity, rectitude, uprightness.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| honesty |
Honesty is often used in everyday situations where someone is being truthful or straightforward. It can apply to both actions and spoken words.
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| uprightness |
Uprightness refers to strong moral principles and is often used to describe a person's character in both everyday and formal situations.
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| probity |
Probity is used in more formal or professional contexts, often relating to moral integrity and fairness in business or public life.
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| rectitude |
Rectitude implies a high moral standing and is often used in formal or literary contexts to describe someone who consistently behaves in a morally correct way.
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Examples of usage
- The company's reputation for honesty attracted loyal customers.
- She was known for her honesty in all her dealings.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word traces back to the Latin 'honestus', meaning honorable or respectable.
- It evolved through Old French 'honestete' before becoming part of the English vocabulary.
- The meaning of honesty has remained rooted in concepts of virtue and moral uprightness throughout history.
Cultural Perspectives
- In many cultures, honesty is considered a core value, promoting trust and community bonding.
- Some Eastern philosophies emphasize the importance of being honest not just with others but also with oneself.
- Stories and parables around the world often highlight the significance of honesty as a moral lesson.
Psychology
- Studies show that being honest can lead to lower stress levels, as hiding the truth often leads to anxiety.
- Honesty in relationships fosters deeper connections and builds emotional trust.
- A psychological phenomenon called 'the honesty gap' suggests people often perceive themselves as more truthful than others.
Literature
- Honesty frequently appears as a theme in literature, illustrating the value of being true to oneself and others.
- Shakespeare’s works often explore the consequences of deceit versus the benefits of honesty.
- In children's literature, characters who are honest often face challenges but ultimately achieve personal growth.
Pop Culture
- Television shows like 'The Office' use humor to highlight the absurdities and importance of honesty in the workplace.
- Movies often portray honesty as a heroic trait, where characters are rewarded for telling the truth.
- Many social media movements promote honesty, encouraging people to share their authentic selves.
Translations
Translations of the word "honesty" in other languages:
🇵🇹 honestidade
🇮🇳 ईमानदारी
🇩🇪 Ehrlichkeit
🇮🇩 kejujuran
🇺🇦 чесність
🇵🇱 uczciwość
🇯🇵 正直さ
🇫🇷 honnêteté
🇪🇸 honestidad
🇹🇷 dürüstlük
🇰🇷 정직
🇸🇦 أمانة
🇨🇿 poctivost
🇸🇰 čestnosť
🇨🇳 诚实
🇸🇮 poštenje
🇮🇸 heiðarleiki
🇰🇿 адалдық
🇬🇪 პატიოსნება
🇦🇿 dürüstlük
🇲🇽 honestidad