Untruths: meaning, definitions and examples

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untruths

[ʌnˈtruːθs ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

telling lies

Untruths refer to statements or information that are not true or accurate. They are deliberate falsehoods intended to mislead or deceive others. Untruths can vary in severity, from small fibs to major fabrications.

Synonyms

fabrications, falsehoods, lies.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
untruths	Used when referring to statements that are not true but might not have a malicious intent behind them. His stories are filled with untruths, but he doesn't mean any harm by them. There were several untruths in the article, possibly due to misinformation.
lies	Common term used to describe statements that are deliberately not true, usually implies intent to deceive. It's hard to trust him because he often tells lies. She lied about her age to get into the club.
falsehoods	Formal term generally used to describe incorrect statements or beliefs. Often used in more serious or formal contexts. The politician's speech was filled with falsehoods that misled the public. Teachers should correct falsehoods in students' essays.
fabrications	Best used to describe completely made-up stories or claims that are created intentionally, often with a negative connotation. Her story about winning the lottery turned out to be a fabrication. He was fired for fabricating his work experience.

Examples of usage

He was caught spreading untruths about his opponent during the election campaign.
The article was filled with untruths and misinformation.
She admitted to telling untruths to avoid getting into trouble.
The company's reputation was damaged by the untruths spread by a disgruntled employee.
Politicians are often accused of spreading untruths to gain an advantage.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'untruth' stems from the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and 'truth', signifying something that lacks truth.
It first appeared in the English language around the 14th century, highlighting the evolving understanding of honesty.
The concept of lying and falsehoods can be traced back to various cultures and languages, emphasizing the universality of truth and falsehood.

Psychology

Research indicates that people often lie to protect themselves or others, showing that untruths can stem from a place of fear or compassion.
Cognitive dissonance theory suggests that individuals may create untruths to justify actions that conflict with their beliefs.
The average person may lie several times a day; understanding this common behavior can help in addressing dishonesty.

Literature

Untruths are a common motif in both classical and contemporary literature, often used to develop complex characters or advance plots.
In Shakespeare's works, deceit and untruths drive tragedies and comedies alike, showcasing the impact of falsehood on human relationships.
Fables and fairy tales frequently illustrate moral lessons about honesty versus deception, emphasizing the consequences of untruths.

Media and Pop Culture

The rise of social media has led to increased discussions about 'fake news' and the spread of untruths, highlighting the importance of media literacy.
Many movies and television shows explore themes of deception, where untruths lead to thrilling twists or cautionary tales.
Documentaries often investigate the role of untruths in history and current events, prompting viewers to question the narratives they encounter.

Philosophy

Philosophers have long debated the nature of truth and untruth, examining what constitutes a lie and its implications for morality.
In existentialist thought, the acceptance of untruths can lead to a deeper understanding of personal freedom and choice.
Socratic dialogue often challenges individuals to confront their beliefs, distinguishing between subjective untruths and objective reality.

Translations

Translations of the word "untruths" in other languages:

🇵🇹 mentiras

🇮🇳 झूठ

🇩🇪 Unwahrheiten

🇮🇩 kebohongan

🇺🇦 неправди

🇵🇱 kłamstwa

🇯🇵 嘘

🇫🇷 mensonges

🇪🇸 mentiras

🇹🇷 yalanlar

🇰🇷 거짓말

🇸🇦 أكاذيب

🇨🇿 lži

🇸🇰 klamstvá

🇨🇳 谎言

🇸🇮 laži

🇮🇸 lyg

🇰🇿 өтіріктер

🇬🇪 სიცრუეები

🇦🇿 yalanlar

🇲🇽 mentiras

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,230 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

...
32227 mitten
32228 comportment
32229 transected
32230 untruths
32231 turbofan
32232 imbedding
32233 relenting
...