# truthfully

/ˈtɹuθfəɫi/ (US) · /tɹˈuːθfəli/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/truthfully
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. in an honest way

adverb · CEFR B2

in a way that is honest and tells the real facts.

For teachers: 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.

### 2. to be honest

adverb · CEFR B2

you use this to introduce a statement that is your honest opinion, even if it is blunt.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- I can truthfully say that I did my best.
- When the manager asked about the missing files, Sarah answered truthfully even though she was nervous.
- The witness swore to answer every question truthfully, knowing that any deviation from the facts could lead to a charge of perjury.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.