Untruth: meaning, definitions and examples

🤥

Add to dictionary

untruth

[ʌnˈtruːθ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

telling lies

Untruth refers to the act of telling lies or false information intentionally. It is the opposite of truth and can be used to deceive or mislead others.

Synonyms

deceit, fabrication, falsehood, lie.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
untruth	Generally used in formal or polite conversation to indicate something that is not true. She realized that what he had told her was an untruth. In his speech, the politician was accused of spreading untruths.
falsehood	A general term for something that is not true, often used in both formal and informal contexts. The article contained several falsehoods.
lie	A direct and blunt term for an intentionally false statement. It is commonly used in everyday language and often has a strong negative connotation. He told a lie to avoid getting into trouble. She couldn't forgive him for telling such a big lie.
deceit	A more severe form of untruth, often implying a deliberate intention to mislead or trick someone. It carries a negative connotation. His deceit was uncovered after the investigation. She felt deeply hurt by his deceit and manipulation.
fabrication	Usually refers to something that has been consciously invented or made up, often implying a more elaborate or complex creation of falsehood. The story was nothing more than a fabrication. They discovered that the evidence was a fabrication.

Examples of usage

He was caught in an untruth about his whereabouts last night.
She couldn't distinguish between truth and untruth in his stories.
Don't spread untruths about others, it can damage their reputation.
It's important to always strive for honesty and avoid untruths.
The politician's untruths were exposed by the media.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

inaccuracy

Untruth can also refer to a statement or information that is inaccurate or not based on facts. It can be unintentional or result from a misunderstanding.

Synonyms

error, falsehood, inaccuracy, misinformation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
untruth	Similar to 'falsehood', it emphasizes a lack of truth but can be used in both formal and casual contexts. His claim about the event was an untruth The article was charged with numerous untruths
inaccuracy	When discussing something that is not precise or correct, often in a scientific or data-driven context. There was an inaccuracy in the data that affected the results Historical records can sometimes contain inaccuracies
error	When talking about a mistake or incorrect act, especially in a technical, mathematical, or procedural context. The report contained several errors that needed to be corrected There was a calculation error in the financial statement
misinformation	When referring to false or inaccurate information that is spread, often via media or social networks. Often used when the spread is unintentional or due to ignorance. The health campaign aims to combat the spread of misinformation Misinformation about the new policy caused confusion among citizens
falsehood	When indicating an intentional lie or deceit, typically in a more formal or serious context. Spreading falsehoods can damage a person's reputation She was punished for telling falsehoods in court

Examples of usage

The article was full of untruths about the company's financial situation.
She believed the untruths her friend told her about the new restaurant.
There is a need to fact-check information to avoid spreading untruths.
His untruths were due to a lack of knowledge rather than intentional deceit.
The untruths in the report led to confusion among the readers.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'untruth' is formed by adding the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' to 'truth', which comes from the Old English 'trúth' meaning honesty or reality.
The term became more common in the English language in the 16th century, as a way to describe falsehoods more formally.
Before 'untruth' became popular, terms like 'falsehood' were more commonly used to describe lies.

Philosophy

In philosophy, the concept of untruth challenges our understanding of reality and how beliefs can be influenced by false information.
Notable philosophers like Friedrich Nietzsche have discussed the role of lies in societal structures and personal perception.
The notion of 'no absolute truth' in some philosophical schools means that untruth can sometimes be subjective, depending on perspective.

Psychology

Studies in psychology show that people often believe their own untruths in order to protect their self-esteem or justify actions.
Cognitive dissonance theory explains how people may hold onto untruths to avoid the discomfort of conflicting beliefs and reality.
The brain processes false statements differently than truths, influencing how we remember events and who we trust.

Literature

Many literary works, such as George Orwell's '1984', explore themes surrounding untruths and their impact on society and individual freedom.
Fiction often dissects the nature of untruth through unreliable narrators who challenge readers' perception of reality.
In classic literature, untruth serves as a device for character development, highlighting moral dilemmas faced by protagonists.

Pop Culture

Movies and TV shows frequently depict untruths as central conflicts, illustrating the consequences of deception and betrayal.
Reality television often blurs the lines between truth and untruth, raising questions about authenticity and manufactured drama.
Social media platforms have faced backlash for the spread of untruths, leading to movements for transparency and fact-checking.

Translations

Translations of the word "untruth" in other languages:

🇵🇹 mentira

🇮🇳 असत्य

🇩🇪 Unwahrheit

🇮🇩 ketidakbenaran

🇺🇦 неправда

🇵🇱 nieprawda

🇯🇵 虚偽 (kyogi)

🇫🇷 mensonge

🇪🇸 mentira

🇹🇷 yalan

🇰🇷 거짓 (geojit)

🇸🇦 كذب (kidhb)

🇨🇿 nepravda

🇸🇰 nepravda

🇨🇳 谎言 (huǎngyán)

🇸🇮 nelaž

🇮🇸 ósannindi

🇰🇿 өтірік

🇬🇪 უსამართლობა

🇦🇿 yalan

🇲🇽 mentira

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,134, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

...
24131 saluting
24132 deliberated
24133 tinkering
24134 untruth
24135 equable
24136 pocketed
24137 unhelpful
...