honesty
n. uncountablen. the quality of being truthful and not hiding facts from others. You show this when you admit to a mistake or tell the truth even when it is difficult.
n. the quality of being truthful, sincere, or morally upright. Often used to describe the refusal to lie, steal, or deceive.
I appreciate your honesty about the mistake.
The manager valued honesty above all else, encouraging employees to speak up when they encountered problems.
While radical honesty can sometimes be perceived as bluntness, it remains a foundational pillar of healthy interpersonal relationships and professional integrity.
From Middle English honeste (“honour, integrity”), from Old French honesté (compare modern French honnêteté) (honest + -y); the plant, from the visibility of the seeds through the translucent pods. Displaced native Old English sōþfæstnes; and non-native Middle English prodonomee, from Old French prodomie.
Typically uncountable; when used with an indefinite article ('an honesty'), it usually precedes a qualifying adjective in literary contexts.