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Truth Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ”
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truth

[truหฮธ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in philosophy

The quality or state of being true.

Synonyms

actuality, fact, verity.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
truth

Used when talking about something that is true or accurate, often in personal opinions or moral contexts.

  • She always tells the truth
  • The truth is that he didn't do it
verity

A formal or literary term used to refer to a fundamental truth or principle, often with a philosophical or timeless context.

  • The verities of nature are timeless and unchanging
  • He spoke with confidence about the verities of life
actuality

Used to emphasize the real state of things, often in contrast with what is believed or expected.

  • The actuality of the situation is much worse than the reports
  • In actuality, they had no idea what was going on
fact

Used when referring to something that is objectively true and can be proven with evidence.

  • It is a fact that water boils at 100 degrees Celsius
  • These are the facts of the case

Examples of usage

  • She had to accept the truth of his accusation.
  • The truth of the matter is that we will never know what really happened.
Context #2 | Noun

in general use

That which is true or in accordance with fact or reality.

Synonyms

factuality, genuineness, reality.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
truth

Describes correct information that is accepted as a fact, often used in everyday conversation and philosophical discussions.

  • Always tell the truth.
  • The truth is, he has been working hard.
reality

Denotes the state of things as they actually exist, typically used in conversations about perceptions, dreams, or hypothetical situations.

  • Sometimes dreams are better than reality.
  • We need to face the harsh reality of the situation.
factuality

Emphasizes the focus on facts and objective reality, commonly used in scientific, academic, or formal contexts.

  • We must consider the factuality of these statements.
  • The report tests the factuality of these claims.
genuineness

Refers to the authenticity or sincerity of something or someone, often used to describe emotions, actions, or objects.

  • I was touched by the genuineness of his apology.
  • The genuineness of the artifact was confirmed by experts.

Examples of usage

  • I am certain she spoke the truth.
  • He finally admitted the truth of her accusations.
Context #3 | Noun

in legal contexts

The body of real things, events, and facts.

Synonyms

actualities, facts, reality.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
truth

Used when referring to something that is undeniably correct or an honest representation of things. Generally implies integrity and honesty.

  • The truth will set you free
  • He always tells the truth
reality

Often used to describe the state of things as they actually exist, rather than how they may appear or be imagined. Can carry a more philosophical or contemplative connotation.

  • She needed to face reality and accept her mistakes
  • The harsh reality is that life isn't always fair
actualities

Typically used in more formal or academic contexts to refer to the real and tangible events or facts.

  • The actualities of the situation were far worse than we had imagined
  • Scholars often debate the actualities behind historical events
facts

Commonly used when discussing pieces of information that can be proven and are objective. Suitable for scientific, legal, and everyday scenarios.

  • Here are the key facts of the case
  • It's a fact that water boils at 100 degrees Celsius

Examples of usage

  • The truth of the evidence presented in court was undeniable.
  • The truth of the matter will be determined by the jury.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Philosophy

  • Philosophers have debated the nature of truth for centuries, often distinguishing between subjective and objective truth.
  • The correspondence theory of truth suggests that a statement is true if it corresponds to reality.
  • In contrast, the coherence theory argues that truth is based on the integration of beliefs rather than direct observation.

Culture

  • Many cultures have proverbs emphasizing the importance of truth, like 'honesty is the best policy.'
  • In some societies, truth-telling is seen as a virtue that fosters trust and integrity among individuals.
  • Art and literature often explore themes of truth versus deception, provoking deep reflections on moral and ethical dilemmas.

Psychology

  • Psychological studies show that humans often have a complex relationship with truth, influenced by personal biases and emotions.
  • Cognitive dissonance theory explains why people may avoid facing uncomfortable truths to maintain mental stability.
  • Truthfulness has been linked to improved mental health, as honesty can reduce stress and anxiety.

Religion

  • Many religious texts address the concept of truth, often portraying it as a divine principle essential for spiritual growth.
  • In Buddhism, understanding truth is fundamental to achieving enlightenment and escaping suffering.
  • Christianity emphasizes the idea that 'the truth will set you free,' highlighting the liberating power of honesty.

Origin of 'truth'

Main points about word origin

  • The word derives from the Old English 'triewรฐ,' which means 'faith or fidelity.'
  • Its roots can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic 'treuwiz,' meaning 'faithful.'
  • The concept of 'truth' has evolved but has always been related to honesty and reliability.

The word 'truth' originated from the Old English word 'triowรฐ' or 'treowรฐ', meaning 'faithfulness, constancy, veracity'. It has roots in Proto-Germanic and Proto-Indo-European languages. The concept of truth has been a fundamental philosophical and existential concern for human beings throughout history, with various interpretations and perspectives across different cultures and belief systems.

See also: true, truism, truly, untrue.

Word Frequency Rank

At #819 in the frequency ranking, this word is highly important for effective communication. It's commonly used in daily situations and should be prioritized in your vocabulary building.