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Actually vs Honest - What's the difference?

actually | honest |

In obsolete|lang=en terms the difference between actually and honest

is that actually is (obsolete) actively while honest is (obsolete) to adorn or grace; to honour; to make becoming, appropriate, or honourable.

As an adverb actually

is (modal) in act or in fact; really; in truth; positively.

As an adjective honest is

(of a person or institution) scrupulous with regard to telling the truth; not given to swindling, lying, or fraud; upright.

As a verb honest is

(obsolete) to adorn or grace; to honour; to make becoming, appropriate, or honourable.

actually

English

Adverb

(-)
  • (modal) In act or in fact; really; in truth; positively.
    • Actually , I had nothing to do with that incident.
  • (obsolete) actively
    • Neither actually nor passively. — Fuller.

    Alternative forms

    * actially (nonstandard)

    Usage notes

    * In some other languages a word of similar spelling means "now" or "currently"; (e.g., Portuguese "atualmente", Spanish "actualmente", French "actuellement", German "aktuell", Italian "attualmente", Czech ""). This leads many non-native speakers of English to use "actually" when they mean "now" or "currently". * Some commentators have: *
  • remarked upon the irony that this qualifier of veracity often introduces an utter lie;, page 3 and,
    • *
  • noted that in many cases, (term) functions as little more than a vacuous emphatic utterance.ibidem , page 4
    • * In practice, actually and its synonyms are often used to insinuate that the following is either unusual or contrary to a norm or preceding assumption, or to merely preface an overconfident opinion contrasting a previous statement or norm (as per 'vacuous emphasis' note above). : This is actually a really beautiful song. (contrasting opinion) : Actually , I'm not from France - I'm from Switzerland. (contrary from assumption) : At the check-out, the cashier actually greeted me for once. (contrary from norm)

    Synonyms

    * in reality * literally * really * truthfully

    References

    English modal adverbs English words suffixed with -ly

    honest

    English

    Adjective

    (en-adj)
  • (of a person or institution) Scrupulous with regard to telling the truth; not given to swindling, lying, or fraud; upright.
    • We're the most honest people you will ever come across.
  • * Sir W. Temple
    • An honest physician leaves his patient when he can contribute no farther to his health.
  • (of a statement) True, especially as far as is known by the person making the statement; fair; unbiased.
    • an honest''' account of events''; '''''honest reporting
  • In good faith; without malice.
    • an honest mistake
  • (of a measurement device) Accurate.
    • an honest scale
  • Authentic; full.
    • an honest day's work
  • Earned or acquired in a fair manner.
    • an honest dollar
  • Open; frank.
    • an honest countenance
  • (obsolete) Decent; honourable; suitable; becoming.
  • * Shakespeare
    • Behold what honest clothes you send forth to bleaching!
    (Chaucer)
  • (obsolete) Chaste; faithful; virtuous.
  • * Shakespeare
    • Wives may be merry, and yet honest too.

    Synonyms

    * See also

    Antonyms

    * dishonest

    Derived terms

    * honest as the day is long * honesty

    Verb

    (en verb)
  • (obsolete) To adorn or grace; to honour; to make becoming, appropriate, or honourable.
    • (Archbishop Sandys)
  • * (Ben Jonson)
    • You have very much honested my lodging with your presence.

    External links

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