Word
truthfully
Phoneticstruth·ful·ly, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈtɹuθfəɫi/
UK/tɹˈuːθfəli/
Adverb of manner
Definitions
01in an honest way
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adv. in a way that is honest and tells the real facts.
adv. in a manner that is consistent with the truth; honestly and without deception.
“He answered all the questions truthfully during the interview.”
“The witness swore to testify truthfully, providing a detailed account that corroborated the evidence found at the scene.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
02to be honest
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adv. you use this to introduce a statement that is your honest opinion, even if it is blunt.
adv. used as a sentence adverb to indicate that the speaker is expressing a sincere, though perhaps unwelcome, opinion.
“Truthfully, I don't think the new design is as good as the old one.”
“Truthfully, the committee was disappointed by the lack of innovation in the final proposals submitted by the design firms.”
Usage
Often placed at the beginning of a sentence to set the tone for the statement.
Real-World Examples
“I cannot say to you truthfully that where we are is good enough.” “I told her, truthfully, that I didn’t notice any new aroma.” “That job was the most physically demanding I’d ever had, and truthfully I wasn’t a very good employee.” Etymology
From truthful + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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