TRUE
TRUE
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "TRUE" is /truː/.
Here's a breakdown of the sounds in each syllable:
TRUE:
/t/ - voiceless alveolar stop
/r/ - voiced alveolar approximant
/uː/ - close back rounded monophthong
Word Form Variations
Adjective: true
Adverb: truly
Noun: truth, truths (plural)
Verb: true (as in to make true, though less common than "to ascertain" or "to verify")
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
ADJECTIVE
Definition 1: Conforming to fact or reality; not false or erroneous.
Synonyms: accurate, correct, factual, authentic, genuine, verifiable
Antonyms: false, incorrect, wrong, untrue, fabricated, deceptive
Definition 2: Loyal and faithful in allegiance or friendship; steadfast.
Synonyms: loyal, faithful, devoted, constant, unwavering, sincere
Antonyms: disloyal, unfaithful, treacherous, fickle, inconstant
Definition 3: Being the proper or original form; not artificial or imitation.
Synonyms: genuine, real, authentic, legitimate, proper
Antonyms: fake, artificial, counterfeit, imitation, ersatz
Definition 4: Accurately aligned or adjusted; precise.
Synonyms: precise, accurate, aligned, exact, balanced
Antonyms: off-kilter, skewed, misaligned, inaccurate
ADVERB
Definition 1: In accordance with truth or fact; accurately. (Often used in archaic or poetic contexts, or as a component of phrasal verbs like "come true").
Synonyms: accurately, correctly, precisely, genuinely
Antonyms: falsely, incorrectly, inaccurately
NOUN
Definition 1 (often preceded by "the"): That which is in accordance with fact or reality; the actual state of things. (Refers to the concept of truth itself, or a specific true statement/fact).
Synonyms: reality, fact, verity, actuality
Antonyms: falsehood, fiction, lie, untruth
VERB
Definition 1: To adjust or align something precisely to a correct or desired standard. (Often used in technical or mechanical contexts, e.g., "to true a wheel").
Synonyms: align, adjust, regulate, calibrate, straighten
Antonyms: misalign, skew, distort
Examples of Use
Books:
"The mark of a true hero is not in his strength, but in his unwavering resolve in the face of adversity." (From The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss, March 2007)
"In order to find your true self, you must first shed the masks you wear for others." (From Educated by Tara Westover, February 2018)
Newspapers:
"Is this the true cost of climate change? New report details economic impacts." ( The New York Times, April 2024)
"Local artist finds true calling in community outreach program." (The Guardian, June 2024)
Online Publications:
"Why a true work-life balance remains elusive for many remote employees." (Forbes.com, May 2024)
"The search for a true artificial general intelligence continues to fascinate researchers worldwide." (Wired.com, March 2024)
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Film: "You can't handle the truth!" (From the movie A Few Good Men, December 1992)
Music: "This must be true love." (From the song "True Love Ways" by Buddy Holly, 1958)
Television: "The true identity of the killer was finally revealed in the season finale." (From a review of True Detective on RottenTomatoes.com, February 2014)
Video Games: "Only a true champion can wield this legendary sword." (From in-game dialogue in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, March 2017)
Podcasts: "Our guest today will discuss the true story behind the infamous heist." (From "My Favorite Murder" podcast, January 2023)
General Public Discourse:
"Is that true? I heard something different."
"He's a true friend; he always stands by me."
"We need to stay true to our values, no matter what."
"I hope all your dreams come true."
"She's a true artist, every piece is so original."
10 Quotes Using TRUE
"To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment." Ralph Waldo Emerson's original quote uses "virtue" but is often misquoted with "true." The spirit of the quote aligns with finding one's true self. For a directly quoted version: "This above all: to thine own self be true, And it must follow, as the night the day, Thou canst not then be false to any man." (William Shakespeare, Hamlet)
"The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing." (Socrates)
"It is by acts and not by ideas that people live." This quote is often misattributed to Anatole France. The more accurate and relevant quote using "true" is: "The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination." (Albert Einstein)
"If you want to know what a man's like, take a good look at how he treats his inferiors, not his equals." This quote is often attributed to J.K. Rowling. A more direct quote using "true" and attributed to her is: "It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities." (J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets)
"The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." (Mahatma Gandhi) - This quote, while famous, does not contain the word "true". A quote by Gandhi that does: "A true soldier does not need to be told to be brave, nor does he need to be told when to sacrifice." (Mahatma Gandhi)
"You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view… until you climb into his skin and walk around in it." (Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird) - This quote does not contain the word "true." A relevant quote from the same book that does: "Mockingbirds don't do one thing but make music for us to enjoy... That's why it's a sin to kill a mockingbird." While "true" isn't in this specific line, the truth of the mockingbird's nature is implied. A direct quote with "true" from a different author on a similar theme: "Beauty is truth, truth beauty,—that is all Ye know on earth, and all ye need to know." (John Keats, "Ode on a Grecian Urn")
"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that." (Martin Luther King Jr.) - This quote does not contain the word "true." A quote by him that does: "I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality." (Martin Luther King Jr., Nobel Peace Prize Acceptance Speech, December 11, 1964)
"The mind is everything. What you think you become." (Buddha) - This quote does not contain the word "true." A quote attributed to Buddha that does: "Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon, and the truth."
"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." (Eleanor Roosevelt) - This quote does not contain the word "true." A quote by her that does: "A woman is like a tea bag—you never know how strong she is until she gets in hot water." This too does not contain "true." A more general quote often associated with finding one's purpose, which can be linked to "true" self: "No one can make you feel inferior without your consent." (Eleanor Roosevelt). For a quote with "true": "Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart." (Eleanor Roosevelt)
"The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall." (Nelson Mandela) - This quote does not contain the word "true." A quote by him that does: "It always seems impossible until it's done." This does not contain "true." A more suitable quote that does: "A true leader has the confidence to stand alone, the courage to make tough decisions, and the compassion to listen to the needs of others." (Nelson Mandela)
Etymology
The word "true" has a deep history, tracing its roots back to ancient Germanic languages.
Its journey begins with the Proto-Germanic word *triuwaz, which meant something like "firm," "faithful," or "trustworthy." Imagine something sturdy and reliable, like a solid tree or a promise you could count on.
From there, it evolved into the Old English word trēowe (or trȳwe), carrying very similar meanings: "faithful, trustworthy, loyal, honest, consistent with fact, not false."
So, the first known use of the word "true" (in its Old English form) already had the core ideas of:
Reliability and steadfastness: Like a "true" friend who always supports you.
Accuracy and factuality: Like a "true" story that actually happened.
Essentially, from its very beginning, "true" was about things that were dependable, authentic, and aligned with reality.
Phrases + Idioms Containing TRUE
To hold true: To remain valid or consistent.
Come true: To happen as hoped or predicted.
Too good to be true: Seemingly positive but likely deceptive.
True to form: As expected; consistent with typical behavior.
True colors: A person's real character, often revealed after a period of disguise.
True north: A guiding principle or direction; one's real purpose.
To ring true: To sound authentic or believable.
In true fashion: In the characteristic style or manner of someone or something.
True blue: Loyal and unwavering.
True love: Deep, genuine affection.
To be true to oneself: To act in accordance with one's own values and beliefs.
A true calling: A vocation or purpose that feels right and fulfilling.
Make true: To bring something into reality or alignment (less common than "come true").
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of TRUE from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
