Definition

1. Noun:
   • The quality or state of being in accordance with fact or reality: This is the core meaning of "truth," referring to something that is accurate, real, and not false or invented.
   • A statement, idea, or belief that is true or accepted as true: "Truth" can refer to a specific piece of information or a principle that corresponds to reality.
   • Sincerity or honesty in action or character: "Truth" can describe the quality of being truthful or genuine.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • She always tells the truth, even when it's difficult. (This uses "truth" to mean a factually accurate statement.)
  • Scientists search for the truth about the natural world. (Here, "truth" refers to accurate knowledge or reality.)
  • There is a kernel of truth in his story. (This uses "truth" to mean a small element that is factually correct.)
  • I doubt the truth of that rumor. (This uses "truth" to mean the factual accuracy or reality of something.)

Advanced Usage

• "In truth": In fact; actually. Used to introduce a statement that clarifies or corrects a previous impression.
  • He seemed confident, but in truth, he was very nervous.
• "The truth of the matter": The real facts about a situation.
  • The truth of the matter is that we can't afford it.
• "To tell you the truth" / "Truth be told": Phrases used to introduce a candid or honest statement.
  • Truth be told, I didn't enjoy the movie very much.

Variants and Related Words

• Truthful (adj): Telling or expressing the truth; honest.
  • She gave a truthful account of the events.
• Truthfully (adv): In a truthful way.
  • He answered the question truthfully.
• Truthfulness (n): The quality of being truthful.
  • I admire her truthfulness.

Synonyms

• Fact: A thing that is known or proved to be true.
• Reality: The state of things as they actually exist.
• Veracity: Conformity to facts; accuracy. (More formal)
• Honesty: The quality of being honest and truthful.

Antonyms

• Falsehood: The state of being untrue.
• Lie: A false statement made with deliberate intent to deceive.
• Fiction: Something invented or imagined, not necessarily presented as fact.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "The moment of truth": A time when a person or thing is tested, or when an important decision must be made.
  • The final exam was the moment of truth for the students.
• "Home truth": An unpleasant fact about oneself, pointed out by someone else.
  • His critique contained some uncomfortable home truths.
• "To stretch the truth": To exaggerate or say something that is not completely honest.
  • He tends to stretch the truth when telling stories about his travels.

Noun

1. United States abolitionist and feminist who was freed from slavery and became a leading advocate of the abolition of slavery and for the rights of women (1797-1883)
2. the quality of being near to the true value
   • he was beginning to doubt the accuracy of his compass
   • the lawyer questioned the truth of my account
3. a true statement
   • he told the truth
   • he thought of answering with the truth but he knew they wouldn't believe it
4. conformity to reality or actuality
   • they debated the truth of the proposition
   • the situation brought home to us the blunt truth of the military threat
   • he was famous for the truth of his portraits
   • he turned to religion in his search for eternal verities
5. a fact that has been verified
   • at last he knew the truth
   • the truth is that he didn't want to do it