True

/truː/

adjectiveBeginner🔥Very CommonLiterature
3 meanings2 idioms/phrases3 questions

Definitions

3 meanings
1

Conforming to fact or reality; not false or wrong.

/truː/

adjectiveneutralBeginner
Literature

Conforming to facts or reality; not false or wrong

It is true that the sun rises in the east.

💡 Simply: When something is true, it's like the real deal! It's not a lie or a pretend story. Like, if you say the sky is blue, and it actually is, then that's true!

👶 For kids: When something is real and not made up.

More Examples

2

Her story was proven to be true.

3

The information he provided was true.

How It's Used

General

"The statement is true."

Science

"A true experiment requires a control group."

2

Loyal and faithful.

/truː/

adjectivepositivemedium
General

He remained true to his principles.

💡 Simply: When you're true to someone, it means you stick with them. Like being a true friend who's always there for you, no matter what.

👶 For kids: When you're loyal and a good friend.

More Examples

2

A true friend supports you through thick and thin.

3

She was true to her promise.

How It's Used

Relationships

"She remained true to her friends during the crisis."

Moral

"A true friend will always support you."

Tip:Think of being steadfast and committed.
3

In accordance with facts or reality; correctly.

/truː/

adverbneutralmedium
General

In accordance with facts or reality; correctly

The arrow flew true to its target.

💡 Simply: When something is true, it happens the right way. Like, if you aim a dart at a target, you want to throw it true so it hits the bullseye.

👶 For kids: Doing something the right way.

More Examples

2

The compass needle points true north.

3

He spoke true, even when it was difficult.

How It's Used

Everyday

"The compass points true north."

Sports

"She threw the ball true."

Tip:Think of doing something accurately or precisely.

Idioms & expressions

true colors

A person's real character or nature, which is often hidden initially.

"He showed his true colors when he betrayed his friend."

true to form

Acting or behaving in a way that is typical or expected.

"The team, true to form, won the championship."

From Old English *trēowe* meaning 'faithful, trustworthy, honest.' Cognate with Dutch *trouw*, German *treu*.

Used extensively throughout history in various forms, from philosophical discussions to everyday communication. The concept of truth has been central to human thought and understanding.

Memory tip

Think of something that aligns with the actual situation.

Word Origin

LanguageOld English
Original meaning

"faithful, trustworthy, honest"

true storytrue facttrue friendtrue northtrue colours

Common misspellings

trutrew

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written