Untrue Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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untrue

[สŒnหˆtruห ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

inaccurate information

not in accordance with fact or reality; false or incorrect

Synonyms

false, inaccurate, incorrect, unfounded, wrong.

Examples of usage

  • The rumors about her leaving the company were completely untrue.
  • It is untrue that he has never been to France before.
Context #2 | Adjective

not faithful or loyal

not faithful or loyal to someone or something

Synonyms

disloyal, faithless, traitorous, treacherous, unfaithful.

Examples of usage

  • He was accused of being untrue to his friends.
  • She felt betrayed by his untrue actions.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • People often believe untrue statements when they are repeated frequently, a phenomenon known as the 'illusory truth effect'.
  • Cognitive dissonance can occur when someone hears an untrue statement that conflicts with their beliefs, causing mental discomfort.
  • Emotional connections to certain beliefs may lead individuals to accept untrue information more readily, especially if it aligns with their values.

Literature

  • Many classic stories revolve around themes of truth versus deception, such as Shakespeareโ€™s plays that explore betrayal and falsehoods.
  • In George Orwell's dystopian novel '1984', the idea of 'untrue' is a central concept, arguing that truth can be manipulated by authority.
  • The exploration of untruth is common in modern literature, often reflecting societal fears about misinformation.

Pop Culture

  • Reality TV often blurs the line between truth and untruth, with storylines crafted for entertainment rather than accuracy.
  • The phrase 'fake news' has become popular in recent years, highlighting the prevalence of untrue claims in various media.
  • Songs often tackle themes of truth and lies, exploring the emotional consequences of relationships built on untruth.

Communication

  • In debates, the difference between true and untrue statements can drastically change the outcome of an argument.
  • Fact-checking organizations are increasingly important in an age where untrue statements can spread quickly online.
  • Nonverbal cues, like body language, can also impact perceptions of truthfulness, as people often assess whether a statement feels 'untrue' based on how it's presented.

Origin of 'untrue'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the prefix 'un-', meaning 'not', combined with 'true'.
  • Its earliest uses trace back to Middle English around the 14th century, highlighting a longstanding concern with honesty.
  • Related words like 'untrustworthy' also underscore the theme of deception.

The word 'untrue' originated in Middle English, derived from the combination of the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and the word 'true'. It has been used in the English language for centuries to describe something that is false, incorrect, or not in accordance with reality.


See also: true, truism, truly, truth.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,947, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.