Where does “honestly” come from?
Honestly comes from Middle English honestly, though its ultimate origin and earliest meaning remain unclear.
honestly (English): In an honest manner; Frankly, to be honest; Used...
Definitions
- In an honest manner; Frankly, to be honest; Used...
Ancestry of “honestly”, step by step
| Step | Language | Word | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Middle English | honestly | honourably, respectfully, nobly |
| 2 | Middle English | honeste | honest |
| 3 | Old French | honesté | candor, honesty |
| 4 | Latin | honestas | respectability; honor, honour, honorableness;... |
| 5 | Latin | honestus | Full of or regarded with honor/honour;... |
| 6 | Latin | honor | honor, esteem, dignity, reputation, office |
| 7 | Old Latin | honos | Alternative form of honor |