true
0 antonyms and opposites of true, grouped by meaning.
Adj — Matching the actual facts; correct or accurate.
How to use true
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English trēowe, "faithful, trustworthy," from a Germanic root meaning "firm" or "hard" — the sense of factual accuracy grew out of the older idea of being reliable and trustworthy.
Full origin of true →Frequently asked questions
What does “true” mean?
The word “true” means matching the actual facts; correct or accurate. In plain terms, matching reality, or being loyal and reliable; as a verb, to straighten or align something precisely.
How do you pronounce “true”?
“True” is pronounced troo (/tɹuː/ in IPA).
How do you use “true” in a sentence?
Here is “true” used in a sentence: “Is it true that the store is closing next month?”
What part of speech is “true”?
Depending on how it is used, “true” can be an adjective and a verb.
Where does the word “true” come from?
The word “true” comes from Old English. From Old English trēowe, "faithful, trustworthy," from a Germanic root meaning "firm" or "hard" — the sense of factual accuracy grew out of the older idea of being reliable and trustworthy.
Is “true” a common word?
“True” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “true” have?
“True” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: matching the actual facts; correct or accurate.
What is the difference between true and false?
True means matching the actual facts — a statement that corresponds to reality. False is its direct opposite: not matching the facts, mistaken, or deliberately untrue. Every factual claim is one or the other. "It is raining" is true if rain is falling and false if it is not.
What is the difference between true and real?
"True" describes statements that match the facts; "real" describes things that actually exist. A story can be true when it accurately reports events, while a diamond is real when it is genuine, not fake. Truth is about the accuracy of claims; realness is about genuine existence. They overlap but are not identical.
What is the difference between true and accurate?
The two are close. "True" means a statement matches the facts and is not false. "Accurate" adds a sense of precision and exactness, free from error in the details. A rough claim can be true without being fully accurate. Something accurate is true and also carefully correct in its particulars.
Can 'true' mean loyal or genuine?
Yes. Beyond factual correctness, "true" can mean faithful and dependable, as in "a true friend" or "true to your word." Here it describes loyalty and sincerity rather than facts. It can also mean genuine or authentic, as in "true gold." All these senses share the idea of being real and reliable.