Used to emphasize the truth of a statement. Now archaic (chiefly in echoes of quot. 1893).

Used as an asseveration: ‘God knows’; ‘by God’.

Used as object to the verbs say, speak, or tell; frequently in the parenthetic phrases sooth to say, etc. (Cf. 5b.)

to tell (the) truth: (used parenthetically) (a) indeed, truly (used to emphasize a statement) (b) to be frank, to be honest (used esp. to preface…

Used parenthetically or as a sentence adverb. Expressing asseveration or as part of a rhetorical question: to be honest, in all honesty.

= honest Injun n.

Used parenthetically or as a sentence adverb: to be truthful, in all truth; truth to tell. Cf. honestly, adv. 4a.

used as an interjection to assert, or interrogatively as an appeal to, one's truthfulness, honour, or sincerity; cf. honour bright at honour, n.…

on the level, (in a) fair, honest, or straightforward (way); reliable, true. Frequently as adv. phr. = honestly; truthfully. colloquial (originally…

Frankly, outspokenly. Also straight out and used colloquially as int. or intensively: really, certainly, definitely.

colloquial (originally U.S.). Used to emphasize, or persuade a person of the truth of, a statement. Cf. honestly, adv. 4a.

Used conversationally to emphasize the truthfulness or sincerity of a remark; also (as a question) to express surprise or doubt, and solicit…

joking, teasing; frequently in no kidding: I am not kidding; that is the truth.

(a) perpendicular; (b) colloquial exact, complete; true, trustworthy; also as quasi-adv. (i) truthfully, honestly; = C. 6; (ii) U.S., unmixed…