Truthfully
ˈtruːθfəli
Definitions
In a way that is honest and sincere; without lying.
ˈtruːθfəli
In a truthful manner; honestly and sincerely.
She answered the question truthfully.
💡 Simply: When you tell something *truthfully*, you're not making up anything. You're saying exactly what happened or what you believe to be true, like when you confess to eating the last cookie!
👶 For kids: Telling the truth is being *truthfully*. It means you are not lying, and you are saying what's really real.
More Examples
He spoke truthfully about the incident.
The witness testified truthfully in court.
I can truthfully say that I have never seen anything like it.
How It's Used
"The witness testified truthfully under oath."
"I can truthfully say I enjoyed the concert."
Idioms & expressions
To tell the truth
Used to introduce a statement that is meant to be honest and frank.
"To tell the truth, I don't like coffee."
From "truth" + "-ful" (full of) + "-ly" (adverb suffix). Traces back to Old English "trēowþ" (truth, faith) and Germanic roots.
The adverb 'truthfully' has been used for centuries, appearing in legal documents, philosophical writings, and everyday conversations emphasizing sincerity and accuracy.
Memory tip
Think of a *truthful* person as someone full of *truth*.