truth
gb/tɹˈuθ/ us/tɹˈuθ/
A2
English
~ 1200
Senses
0 senses
Noun
A2
state
1
Fact or reality
When something matches facts or is real.
Usage pattern:
the truth about [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'truth' with 'true'. 'Truth' is a noun, while 'true' is an adjective.
Synonyms
reality (Focuses on the actual state of things, not necessarily whether it is known or acknowledged.)
|
fact (A specific piece of information that is true; more concrete than 'truth'.)
Antonyms
falsehood (Refers to something that is untrue or a lie.)
|
lie (An intentional false statement, opposite of telling the truth.)
Collocations
tell the truth
|the whole truth
|truth about
|face the truth
|seek the truth
Themes
philosophy
|daily life
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- She finally told me the truth about what happened.
- The truth is that we can't afford it.
- We may never know the whole truth.
- It's important to face the truth, even when it's hard.
Learner examples
- He told me the truth.
- I want to know the truth.
- The truth is simple.
- She always speaks the truth.
Noun
B1
entity
2
Accepted fact or belief
Something people think is true.
Usage pattern:
[a/the] truth that [clause]
Synonyms
principle (A basic idea or rule that guides behavior, often considered true.)
Antonyms
myth (A widely held but false belief.)
Collocations
universal truth
|basic truth
|scientific truth
Themes
communication
|philosophy
|education
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- It's a universal truth that all living things die.
- One basic truth of life is that nothing lasts forever.
- The scientist explained a fundamental truth about physics.
Learner examples
- It is a truth that water boils at 100°C.
- A basic truth is that people need food.
- This book tells simple truths about life.
Noun
A2
property
3
Honesty in speech
When a person says only what is real and not lies.
Synonyms
honesty (General quality of being truthful and fair.)
|
candor (Open and honest expression, sometimes blunt.)
Antonyms
deceit (The act of lying or hiding the truth.)
Collocations
speak the truth
|tell the truth
|truthfulness
Themes
communication
|ethics
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- I appreciate your truth when you speak about your feelings.
- As a witness, you must promise to tell the truth.
- Her truth was evident in her eyes.
Learner examples
- He always tells the truth.
- Please speak the truth.
- She is known for her truth.
Grammar
Dictionary form
truth
IPA
GB/tɹˈuθ/
US/tɹˈuθ/
Syllables & stress
truth (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (truth)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: truth
- Plural: truth, truths
Word family
Expressions
bend the truth
1/bˈɛnd ðə tɹˈuθ/
idiom
informal
Slightly change facts
To say something that is not exactly true but not a full lie.
Examples
- He bent the truth to make his story sound better.
- Sometimes people bend the truth to avoid hurting others.
in truth
1/ˈɪn tɹˈuθ/
fixed phrase
formal
Actually, in fact
Used to say what is really true, even if it seems different.
Examples
- In truth, they had never met before that day.
- She seemed happy, but in truth she was lonely.
the whole truth
1/ðə hˈoʊl tɹˈuθ/
fixed phrase
All facts completely
Every part of what is true, with nothing left out.
Examples
- I swear to tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth.
- She didn’t tell me the whole truth about her past.
truth be told
1/tɹˈuθ bˈi tˈoʊld/
fixed phrase
To be honest about something
Used before saying something honestly, even if it is secret or surprising.
Examples
- Truth be told, I never liked that movie.
- Truth be told, I was afraid to ask.
tell the truth
1/tˈɛl ðə tɹˈuθ/
fixed phrase
Say what is true honestly
To say what is true and not lie.
Examples
- Please tell the truth about what happened.
- He finally told the truth after many lies.
- He finally told the truth after hours of questioning.