How to Pronounce Honest

To pronounce "honest", say ON-est — 2 syllables, IPA /ˈɑnəst/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

honest

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Accent

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Speed

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2

Syllables

6

Letters

/ˈɑnəst/

🇺🇸 IPA (US)

/ˈɒnɪst/

🇬🇧 IPA (UK)

💡 Tip for remembering “honest

Break "honest" into 2 beats and lean on "HON" — that's the stressed one. It rhymes with dishonest and pianist, if that helps it stick.

What does honest mean?

verb

  1. To adorn or grace; to honour; to make becoming, appropriate, or honourable.

adjective

  1. (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.

  2. (of a statement) True, especially as far as is known by the person making the statement; fair; unbiased.

    an honest account of events

adverb

  1. Honestly; really.

    It wasn’t my fault, honest.

Antonyms

dishonest

Words that rhyme with honest

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

dishonestpianistfaunistwannest

Related words

sinceretruthfulveracioustrustytrustworthydependablereliabletrue

Keep practicing

Related pages on PronounceIt, chosen from what we know about this word.

Train the contrast: bad vs bed, pen vs pan

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Honest appears in Words With a Silent W or H — others from that list:

Read next: Silent Letters in English: The Complete Pattern Guide

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "honest"?

To pronounce "honest", say ON-est — 2 syllables, IPA /ˈɑnəst/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

How many syllables are in "honest"?

"Honest" has 2 syllables: hon · est.

What is the IPA transcription of "honest"?

The IPA transcription of "honest" is /ˈɑnəst/.

What does "honest" mean?

Honest: To adorn or grace; to honour; to make becoming, appropriate, or honourable.

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