exactly honest

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exactly honest" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to emphasize the precision or completeness of someone's honesty. Example: "I want you to be exactly honest with me about your feelings regarding the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

(It's not exactly honest, either).

The New York Times - Travel

But the conventioneers turn out to be not exactly honest either.

The New York Times - Arts

It's not exactly honest, straight-talking politics to say you have had a Damascene conversion, and it won't pass the smell-test with the public.

The Guardian - Opinion

Larkin brought out the best in Amis, kept him if not exactly honest at least on edge; indeed, if you knew nothing about Kingsley Amis, or the conventions of his time and place, you'd come away from this anthology certain he and Philip Larkin were lovers, and that Amis's great fear was that he would cease to hold Larkin's interest.

The New York Times - Books

But as anyone who has done extensive traveling could tell you, that 'On Time' indicator isn't exactly honest.

TechCrunch

Illustrator Damian Alexander gets adorable, but not exactly honest feedback on his looks from his boyfriend.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

The report also implied that Rumsfeld wasn't exactly being honest when he claimed that the abuses were nothing to do with him and were the result of a few bad apples amongst the soldiery.

The Guardian - Opinion

It can be difficult to gauge exactly how honest I can be with someone I'm newly dating.

Vice

Refined sugar isn't exactly good for you, so if the industry is being honest here, it's faintly praising its own product.

Forbes

But she's not exactly dwelling in Honest Abe territory, either.

The New York Times

Exactly the same honest claim was made by Richard Burton when explaining, if explanation was needed, why he was making Where Eagles Dare back in the 1960s.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "exactly honest" when you want to underscore the complete and unwavering nature of someone's honesty. This phrase is suitable when you need to remove any doubt about the sincerity of a statement.

Common error

Avoid using "exactly honest" in very casual conversations. Simpler terms like "honest" or "truthful" are often more appropriate for everyday interactions. The phrase can sound overly formal in relaxed settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exactly honest" functions as an intensifier modifying the adjective "honest". It emphasizes the complete and unwavering nature of the honesty being described. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage and meaning.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "exactly honest" is a grammatically sound and semantically valid expression used to emphasize the complete and unwavering nature of honesty. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase appears primarily in News & Media sources, suggesting a neutral register. While perfectly acceptable, remember that simpler terms might be more appropriate for casual conversation. When you need to drive home the point that you expect complete truthfulness, "exactly honest" can be a powerful tool.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

completely truthful

Emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the truth being told.

absolutely frank

Highlights the directness and openness of the communication.

entirely sincere

Focuses on the genuineness and lack of pretense in the statement.

perfectly candid

Stresses the unreserved and straightforward nature of the honesty.

unreservedly honest

Indicates honesty without any limitations or hesitations.

scrupulously truthful

Emphasizes the moral and ethical commitment to truthfulness.

unerringly accurate

Highlights the precision and correctness of the information.

utterly straightforward

Focuses on the clarity and simplicity of the communication.

rigorously honest

Stresses the strict and unwavering commitment to honesty.

genuinely forthright

Emphasizes the authenticity and directness of the statement.

FAQs

What does "exactly honest" mean?

The phrase "exactly honest" means to be completely and truthfully honest, without any reservations or omissions. It emphasizes the sincerity and accuracy of a statement.

How can I use "exactly honest" in a sentence?

You can use "exactly honest" in a sentence like, "I need you to be "exactly honest" with me about what happened last night," to emphasize the need for complete truthfulness.

What are some alternatives to "exactly honest"?

Alternatives to "exactly honest" include "completely truthful", "absolutely frank", or "entirely sincere", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "exactly honest" or "completely honest"?

Both "exactly honest" and "completely honest" are acceptable, but "exactly honest" places a slightly stronger emphasis on precision and unwavering truthfulness. The choice depends on the context and the desired level of emphasis.