I. ˈä-nəst adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin honestus honorable, from honos, honor honor
Date: 14th century
1.
a. : free from fraud or deception : legitimate , truthful
an honest plea
b. : genuine , real
making honest stops at stop signs — Christian Science Monitor
c. : humble , plain
good honest food
2.
a. : reputable , respectable
honest decent people
b. chiefly British : good , worthy
3. : creditable , praiseworthy
an honest day's work
4.
a. : marked by integrity
b. : marked by free, forthright, and sincere expression : frank
an honest appraisal
c. : innocent , simple
Synonyms: see upright
II. adverb
Date: 1596
1. : in an honest manner : honestly
I have ever found thee honest true — Shakespeare
2. : with all sincerity
I didn't do it, honest