veritable
/'veritəbl/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- True, genuine, or authentic: Used to describe something that is real and not false, counterfeit, or imaginary.
- Often used as an intensifier: Used before a noun to emphasize that something is a very good or typical example of what is being mentioned, even if it is not literally true in the strictest sense.
Usage
- The adjective "veritable" is used to attribute truth or authenticity to a noun. When used as an intensifier, it means "being truly or very much so," often adding emphasis in a somewhat figurative way.
- It typically precedes the noun it modifies.
- Example structure: "a veritable [noun]".
Examples
- Meaning "Genuine or Authentic":
- The museum displayed a veritable treasure from the ancient kingdom. (A real, authentic treasure.)
- They discovered a veritable masterpiece hidden in the attic. (A true, genuine masterpiece.)
- Meaning "Used as an Intensifier":
- After the storm, the backyard was a veritable swamp. (It was very much like a swamp.)
- The buffet offered a veritable feast of international cuisine. (It was an impressive, feast-like spread.)
Advanced Usage
- "A veritable [something]": This common pattern emphasizes that the thing being described is a striking or perfect example of that category.
- The small bookstore was a veritable labyrinth of shelves and corridors.
- "The veritable [something]": Less common, used to specify the one true or authentic instance.
- He is considered the veritable father of modern psychology.
Variants and Related Words
- Veritably (adverb): In a true or genuine manner; used as an intensifier.
- The garden was veritably overflowing with roses.
- Verity (noun): A true principle or belief; the state of being true or real.
- He spoke with great verity and conviction.
Synonyms
- Authentic: Of undisputed origin; genuine.
- Bona fide: Made or carried out in good faith; authentic.
- Genuine: Truly what something is said to be; authentic.
- True: In accordance with fact or reality.
Antonyms
- Counterfeit: Made in exact imitation of something valuable with the intention to deceive; fake.
- False: Not according to truth or fact; incorrect.
- Fake: Not genuine; imitation or counterfeit.
- Bogus: Not genuine or true; fake.
Idioms and Fixed Phrases
- A veritable cornucopia: An abundant and diverse collection.
- The market was a veritable cornucopia of fresh produce.
- A veritable who's who: A gathering of many important or famous people.
- The gala event was a veritable who's who of the film industry.
Adjective
- not counterfeit or copied
- an authentic signature
- a bona fide manuscript
- an unquestionable antique
- photographs taken in a veritable bull ring
- often used as intensifiers
- a regular morass of details
- a regular nincompoop
- he's a veritable swine