truth
/truːθ/ IELTSAcademic
noun
- 1.
the state of being correct or in line with facts. It is what really happened or is really the case.
- Tell me the truth.
- We need the truth, not guesses.
- Her story did not match the truth.
- 2.
something that is true, especially a fact or idea that can be accepted as real or right.
- There is an important truth here.
- Science looks for truths about the world.
- He learned a hard truth today.
- 3.
honesty in speaking or behaving. If you tell the truth, you do not lie.
- Please speak the truth.
- She is known for her truth and fairness.
- The court expects truth from every witness.
Adinary Nuance
Truth is the broadest word for what is real or correct. Use fact for one piece of true information, and reality for what exists in the world. Use honesty when you mean a person's character or behaviour, not the truth itself. In writing, truth can also sound deeper or more serious than these near-neighbors.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- sự thật
- Spanish
- verdad
- Chinese
- 真相
- Japanese
- 真実
- Korean
- 진실
Etymology
Old English trēowþ or trīewþ, meaning faithfulness or loyalty, from an old Germanic root. Its meaning later shifted toward correctness and honesty.
Common phrases
tell the truththe whole truthface the truthin truth
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between truth and fact?
- A fact is one true piece of information. Truth is broader and can mean what is really the case.
- Is truth used in formal writing?
- Yes. It is common in formal writing, especially in essays, reports, and serious discussions.
- Can I say 'the truth' in everyday conversation?
- Yes. It is very common in both speech and writing.
- What is a common phrase with truth?
- 'Tell the truth' is very common when you want someone to be honest.