Untruthful Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐คฅ
untruthful
[สnหtruหฮธfสl ]
Definitions
in a conversation
Not expressing or uttering the truth.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| untruthful |
Used to describe someone who does not tell the truth or statements that are not true, usually in a general or mild context.
|
| dishonest |
Describes someone who lies, cheats, or steals; generally used for moral or ethical judgments.
|
| deceitful |
Describes someone who intentionally deceives or misleads others, often in a manipulative or harmful way. This term has a stronger negative connotation.
|
| false |
Refers to something that is untrue or incorrect, often used for statements, beliefs, or claims.
|
Examples of usage
- He was caught being untruthful about his whereabouts last night.
- The witness's untruthful testimony led to the wrong person being accused.
general
Not in accordance with fact or reality; false or erroneous.
Synonyms
false, inaccurate, incorrect.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| untruthful |
Used when someone intentionally provides false information. This word has a negative connotation, implying deceit.
|
| incorrect |
Used when something is simply wrong, especially in educational or factual contexts. It can range from mildly to severely wrong.
|
| inaccurate |
Refers to something that lacks correctness or precision. Often used in contexts where details or measurements are involved.
|
| false |
Applies to information or statements that are not true or valid. It can be used in both casual and formal settings.
|
Examples of usage
- The article contained untruthful information about the company's financial status.
- His untruthful statements were quickly debunked by the experts.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- People might be untruthful due to fear of consequences or to protect someoneโs feelings.
- Studies show children start to lie around age 2 to 3, indicating a complex understanding of truth and deception.
- The 'liar's stereotype' suggests that untruthfulness can sometimes be linked to certain traits, such as nervous behavior or excessive detail.
Literature
- Classic literature often explores themes of deception; characters may be untruthful to explore morality, like in Shakespeareโs 'Othello.'
- Fables and fairy tales often highlight the value of truthfulness, where untruthful characters face dire consequences.
- In modern literature, untruthfulness can be a driving force for conflict, affecting relationships between characters.
Cultural Perspectives
- Many cultures have proverbs warning against untruthfulness, such as 'A lie can go around the world while the truth is still putting on its shoes.'
- In some traditions, telling untruths can bring shame not just to the person who lies, but to their entire family or community.
- The concept of honesty varies globally; in some cultures, saving face can lead to acceptable forms of untruthfulness.
Media & Pop Culture
- Reality TV shows often highlight untruthful behavior, showcasing how lies can create drama and tension.
- Popular songs, including many by artists such as Taylor Swift and Justin Bieber, frequently explore themes of deception and untruthfulness in relationships.
- Movies often characterize villains as untruthful, reinforcing the narrative that honesty is a virtue and deceit is harmful.
Origin of 'untruthful'
Main points about word origin
- The prefix 'un-' means 'not,' added to 'truthful' which comes from 'truth,' leading to the meaning 'not truthful.'
- The word 'truthful' has roots in Old English 'triewรฐ' meaning faithfulness or fidelity, while 'untruthful' flipped it by adding 'un-' to convey dishonesty.
The word 'untruthful' originated in the late Middle English period, derived from the combination of 'un-' meaning 'not' and 'truthful' meaning 'telling the truth'. Over time, the word has been used to describe situations or individuals that are not honest or accurate in their statements.
See also: truthful, truthfully, truthfulness, untruth, untruthfully, untruthfulness, untruths.