True Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/truː/

Part of Speech

Adjective, Adverb, Noun, Interjection

Definition

True refers to something that is in accordance with fact, reality, or actuality. It can also describe something that is accurate, exact, or faithful to a standard or ideal. In a broader sense, true can also mean being loyal, faithful, or devoted to a person, cause, or principle.

Examples

1. “The statement is true and supported by evidence.”

2. “She is a true friend and always there for me.”

Synonyms

1. Accurate

2. Correct

3. Exact

4. Loyal

5. Faithful

Antonyms

1. False

2. Inaccurate

3. Incorrect

4. Disloyal

5. Unfaithful

Additional Information

The term “true” has multiple meanings and can be used in various contexts, including mathematics, science, philosophy, and everyday language. In mathematics, true can refer to a statement that is logically valid or a theorem that has been proven. In science, true can describe a hypothesis or theory that is supported by empirical evidence. In philosophy, true can be used to describe a proposition that corresponds to reality or an ideal. In everyday language, true can be used to describe something that is accurate, reliable, or trustworthy.

In addition to its literal meanings, true can also be used to convey a sense of authenticity, sincerity, or genuineness. For example, someone might say “This is the true meaning of life” or “This is the true spirit of the holiday season.” In this sense, true is used to emphasize the importance or significance of something.

The concept of true is also closely related to the concept of truth, which is a complex and multifaceted idea that has been debated by philosophers, scientists, and scholars for centuries. Truth can be understood as a correspondence between language or thought and reality, or as a coherence between different statements or beliefs.

Etymology

The word “true” comes from Old English “trēowe,” which was derived from the Proto-Germanic word “*trewwiz” and the Proto-Indo-European root “*deru-.” The word “true” has evolved over time, influenced by various languages and cultural traditions.

Usage Notes

When using the word “true,” it’s essential to consider the context and the intended meaning. In some cases, true can be used as an adjective, adverb, or interjection, and its meaning can vary depending on the situation. For example, in the phrase “This is true love,” the word true is used as an adjective to emphasize the intensity or sincerity of the emotion. In contrast, in the sentence “This is truly amazing,” the word truly is used as an adverb to intensify the expression.

Cultural References

The concept of true has been referenced in various aspects of popular culture, such as in literature, music, and film. In Philip K. Dick’s novel “The Man in the High Castle,” the protagonist is on a quest to discover the true nature of reality. In the song “True” by Spandau Ballet, the lyrics explore the theme of authenticity and sincerity in relationships. In the film “The Matrix,” the protagonist Neo is on a journey to discover the true nature of the world.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

1. “True to form” (meaning to act in a way that is typical or consistent with one’s usual behavior)

2. “True to life” (meaning to accurately represent or depict reality)

3. “True blue” (meaning to be loyal or faithful to a person, cause, or principle)

Collocations

1. “True to oneself” (meaning to be authentic or genuine)

2. “True to one’s word” (meaning to be faithful or loyal to one’s promises or commitments)

3. “True to life” (meaning to accurately represent or depict reality)

Frequency of Use

The word “true” is commonly used in everyday language, with a frequency of around 2-3% in most language corpora.

Common Misspellings

1. “Tru” (a common misspelling in informal writing or texting)

2. “Truely” (a common misspelling in formal writing or academic contexts)