honesty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "honesty" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the quality of being truthful or sincere in various contexts, such as personal relationships, business ethics, or moral discussions. Example: "In our relationship, honesty is the foundation that builds trust between us."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"In all honesty, we are teachers [one of her sisters is a teacher too] and pay is getting less and less each year.

The Guardian

Rafael Nadal's searing honesty has always sustained him in troubled times and, while the Spaniard is perhaps a couple of defeats short of a crisis, he admits this summer has not been one of his best.

The Guardian - Sport

"It's very disappointing for me and my family how these things have been communicated and handled in terms of honesty and respect but I guess that's the football business".

The Guardian - Sport

It's pleasant to fantasise that if Mirvish hadn't died in 2007, the building would never have been sold for scrap – but Ed's defining characteristic wasn't so much honesty as a hard nose.

The Guardian

Fairness, honesty and suitability of policy must be at the heart of next week's budget so that the document does not tank like last year's, the opposition leader Bill Shorten was set to argue in his major pre-budget address.

The Guardian

"I know it was a tough decision for Dick to make, but he felt that he couldn't commit to the intense rigours of club management on a longer-term basis and we respect his honesty.

The Guardian - Sport

He is neither "sane" nor "insane" but a fellow human being who speaks to us with courage and honesty.

The Guardian

But Noi said Daodu was paying the price for his honesty: "He's the victim of a flawed, outdated process, which dehumanises and takes common sense out of the equation.

The Guardian

Then there are the moral virtues – truthfulness, honesty, developing a sense of justice, that type of thing.

The Guardian

In his plays and short stories he excavated the human condition with more tenderness and honesty than anybody else I've read.

The Guardian

Related: Telegraph's Peter Oborne resigns, saying HSBC coverage a 'fraud on readers' But there is some honesty in its editorial: that it is "the champion of British business and enterprise", for example.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the importance of ethics in business or personal relationships, use "honesty" to emphasize the value of being truthful and transparent.

Common error

Avoid equating "honesty" with lacking discernment. While being truthful is vital, it does not necessitate sharing every thought or piece of information, especially when discretion is needed.

Linguistic Context

The primary function of "honesty" is to serve as a noun, representing the quality or state of being truthful and sincere. As Ludwig AI explains, this term is widely recognized and accepted in standard English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Sport

12%

Lifestyle

8%

Less common in

Music

3%

Travel

3%

Opinion

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "honesty" is a very common noun denoting truthfulness and moral integrity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across diverse contexts. Predominantly used in News & Media, Sport, and Lifestyle contexts, "honesty" emphasizes the importance of ethical behavior and trustworthiness. Related terms like "integrity" and "truthfulness" offer nuanced alternatives. When using "honesty", remember its significance in building trust and maintaining ethical standards, while avoiding confusion with naivety. Strive for "honesty" in communication, balanced with tact and discretion, to foster genuine and respectful interactions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

integrity

Refers to the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles, often implying a steadfast commitment to ethical behavior.

truthfulness

Emphasizes the adherence to facts and reality, focusing on the accuracy and reliability of statements.

veracity

Highlights the quality of being true and accurate, often used in formal contexts to describe the reliability of information.

sincerity

Focuses on genuineness and freedom from deceit, emphasizing the alignment of one's words and actions with their true feelings.

candor

Implies frankness and openness in expression, often involving the willingness to speak plainly and directly, even about difficult subjects.

probity

Denotes strong moral principles and uprightness, particularly in financial or professional dealings, emphasizing trustworthiness and ethical conduct.

uprightness

Highlights moral and ethical correctness, focusing on adherence to principles of justice and fairness in all aspects of life.

rectitude

Emphasizes moral virtue and righteousness, often implying a strict adherence to ethical standards and principles.

fairness

Focuses on impartiality and justice, emphasizing equitable treatment and avoidance of bias or favoritism.

trustworthiness

Highlights the quality of being reliable and deserving of confidence, emphasizing the ability to be depended upon to act honestly and responsibly.

FAQs

How can I use "honesty" in a sentence?

"Honesty" can be used to describe a quality, such as: "Honesty is the best policy" or "Her honesty was admirable".

What are some synonyms for "honesty"?

Alternatives to "honesty" include "truthfulness", "integrity", and "sincerity", each emphasizing slightly different aspects of being genuine and truthful.

Is it always best to practice "honesty"?

While "honesty" is generally valued, it's important to balance it with kindness and discretion. Sometimes, tact and empathy are necessary alongside being truthful.

What's the difference between "honesty" and "candor"?

"Honesty" refers to being truthful and avoiding deception, while "candor" implies being straightforward and frank, sometimes to the point of being blunt.