Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Not in accordance with fact or reality; false or incorrect: This is the core meaning, indicating that a statement, belief, or piece of information is not correct.
   • Not faithful or loyal: Used to describe a person who is disloyal, especially in a personal relationship or to a cause.
   • Not accurately aligned or adjusted; not straight or level: A technical or mechanical sense, describing something that is not fitted, positioned, or shaped correctly.

Usage Examples

• Adjective (False):
  • The rumor about the company closing is completely untrue.
  • He was accused of spreading untrue information.
• Adjective (Unfaithful):
  • She felt betrayed when she discovered her partner was untrue.
  • A soldier who deserts his post is untrue to his oath.
• Adjective (Not aligned):
  • The carpenter checked the door and found it was untrue.
  • An untrue wheel can cause vibrations while driving.

Advanced Usage

• "Prove untrue": To be shown or discovered to be false or disloyal.
  • The initial reports of success later proved untrue.
  • Several witnesses proved untrue to their testimonies under cross-examination.

Variants and Related Words

• Untruth (n): A false statement or lie.
  • He was sued for publishing an untruth about the celebrity.
• Untruthful (adj): Not telling the truth; dishonest.
  • The witness was found to be untruthful.

Synonyms

• False: Not in accordance with fact.
• Incorrect: Not accurate or right.
• Disloyal: Failing to show loyalty.
• Faithless: Not keeping faith; disloyal.

Antonyms

• True: In accordance with fact or reality; faithful.
• Accurate: Correct in all details.
• Loyal: Giving or showing firm and constant support.
• Faithful: Remaining loyal and steadfast.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "Out of true": Not in correct alignment or balance. (This is a related phrase, not a direct use of the standalone word 'untrue').
  • The wheel was out of true, causing a wobble.
• "Ring untrue": To sound false or insincere.
  • His apology rang untrue to everyone in the room.

Adjective

1. (used especially of persons) not dependable in devotion or affection; unfaithful
   • a false friend
   • when lovers prove untrue
2. not accurately fitted; not level
   • the frame was out of true
   • off-level floors and untrue doors and windows
3. not true to an obligation or trust
   • is untrue to his highest opportunity and duty-Bruno Laske
4. not according with the facts
   • unfortunately the statement was simply untrue