true
/truː/ IELTSAcademic
adjective
True means based on fact, not false. It can also mean loyal, real, or accurate, depending on context.
- That story is true.
- She is a true friend.
- Please give me the true answer.
adverb
True is used in some fixed phrases to mean correctly or exactly, especially after a verb or in comparison.
- He guessed true.
- The report reads true.
- Her prediction came true.
Adinary Nuance
True is wider than correct or right. Use true for facts, loyalty, real identity, or something that happens as expected. Use accurate for careful exactness, and correct for an answer or rule that is not wrong.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- thật
- Spanish
- verdadero
- Chinese
- 真实的
- Japanese
- 本当の
- Korean
- 진짜의
Etymology
True comes from Old English trēowe, meaning faithful or trustworthy. Its meaning later widened to include fact, correctness, and realness.
Common phrases
true friendtrue storycome truetrue and false
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is true more formal than real or honest?
- No. **True** is common in both speech and writing. It depends on the meaning, not the formality.
- What is the difference between true and correct?
- **True** means based on fact or real. **Correct** means not wrong, especially for answers, facts, or rules.
- Can I say 'a true person'?
- Usually, people say **an honest person**, **a loyal person**, or **a genuine person**. **True person** sounds unusual.
- How do I use true in a sentence?
- Use it before a noun: **a true friend**. Or use it with facts: **That is true**.