Untruth: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿคฅ
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untruth

 

[ สŒnหˆtruหฮธ ]

Noun
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?

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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?

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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.

Translations

Translations of the word "untruth" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น mentira

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค…เคธเคคเฅเคฏ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Unwahrheit

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ ketidakbenaran

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฝะตะฟั€ะฐะฒะดะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ nieprawda

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ่™šๅฝ (kyogi)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท mensonge

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ mentira

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท yalan

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๊ฑฐ์ง“ (geojit)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ูƒุฐุจ (kidhb)

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ nepravda

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ nepravda

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ่ฐŽ่จ€ (huวŽngyรกn)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ nelaลพ

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ รณsannindi

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ำฉั‚ั–ั€ั–ะบ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒฃแƒกแƒแƒ›แƒแƒ แƒ—แƒšแƒแƒ‘แƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ yalan

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ mentira

Etymology

The word 'untruth' originated in the late Middle English period, derived from the combination of 'un-' (meaning 'not') and 'truth'. It has been used to refer to falsehoods, inaccuracies, and deceitful statements throughout history, highlighting the importance of honesty and truthfulness in communication.

See also: truthful, truthfully, truthfulness, untruthful, untruthfully, untruthfulness, untruths.

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.