Truth

/truːθ/

nounBeginner🔥Very CommonGeneral
2 meanings2 idioms/phrases3 questions

Definitions

2 meanings
1

The state of being in accordance with fact or reality; the quality or state of being true.

/truːθ/

nounneutralBeginner
General

The quality or state of being true.

She sought the truth about what happened.

💡 Simply: Truth is like a super honest answer or a fact that's real. It's like saying 'the sky is blue' when it's actually blue.

👶 For kids: The truth is when something is real and not pretend.

More Examples

2

The evidence pointed to the truth of his statement.

3

The truth eventually came out during the investigation.

4

He swore to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.

How It's Used

Philosophy

"Philosophers debate the nature of objective truth."

Journalism

"Reporters are expected to report the truth."

Everyday life

"She always tells the truth."

2

A fact or belief that is accepted as true.

/truːθ/

nounneutralBeginner
General

It is a universal truth that everyone wants to be happy.

💡 Simply: A truth is a thing you can believe is real and certain. Like the truth that the sun gives us light and warmth.

👶 For kids: A truth is something that you know is real, like the sun is hot.

More Examples

2

She spoke truths about the current political climate.

3

The scientific community has established these truths.

How It's Used

Science

"Scientific truths are based on empirical evidence."

Religion

"The Bible contains many religious truths."

Tip:Imagine a building made of solid facts – that's a truth.

Idioms & expressions

the whole truth and nothing but the truth

A solemn promise to be completely honest when answering questions.

"The witness swore to tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth."

in truth

In reality or fact; actually.

"In truth, she didn't want to go to the party."

From Old English *trēowþ* ('fidelity, faithfulness, honesty, truth'), related to *trēowe* ('faithful, true'). It's linked to the Proto-Germanic *treuwaz* ('trustworthy').

The word 'truth' has been a cornerstone of moral and philosophical discussions throughout history, appearing extensively in religious texts, legal documents, and literary works. It has evolved over time but consistently related to concepts of accuracy and honesty.

Memory tip

Think of a trustworthy mirror. It reflects the truth.

Word Origin

LanguageProto-Germanic
Original meaning

"fidelity, honesty, faithfulness"

the trutha truthtell the truthtruth aboutseek the truthbelieve the truthhard truthsimple trutheternal truth

Common misspellings

truethtruthettruth

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written