What is truth? Pronunciation and usage in English

truth means . Learn how to pronounce and use truth through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of truth

truthnoun

/truːθ/
Definition & pronunciation of truth

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "truth" in English. Here's a breakdown and some tips:

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

  • /trুθ/ (This is the IPA – International Phonetic Alphabet – representation)

Here's a more detailed explanation:

  1. "Tr": This is pronounced like the "tr" in "tree." It’s a crisp, clear "tr."

  2. "u": This is a very short, almost schwa (weak vowel) sound, similar to the "u" in "but" or "fun." It’s not like the long "oo" in "moon." It's a quick, slightly reduced vowel sound. Think of it as a very, very quick “uh.”

  3. "th": This is the “th” sound as in “this” or “thin.” It's a voiceless dental fricative. Your tongue should be slightly curled back.

Putting it all together:

It sounds something like: “truh” (with a very quick “uh” sound in the middle).

Here are some helpful tips:

  • Don't overemphasize the "u": The "u" is subtle. Overemphasizing it will make it sound wrong.
  • Focus on the "th": Make sure you get the correct "th" sound – not a "d" or a "t."
  • Listen to examples: The best way to learn is to hear it! Here are some sources:
    • Google Translate: Type "truth" into Google Translate and click the speaker icon. (https://translate.google.com/)
    • Merriam-Webster Dictionary: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/truth
    • YouTube: Search for "how to pronounce truth" on YouTube - you’ll find many audio examples.

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you more examples of words with similar sounds?

Usage and examples with the word truth in English

Let's break down how to use the word "truth" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with a lot of nuances. Here's a breakdown, categorized for clarity:

1. As a Noun (the most common use):

  • Basic Definition: A fact; something that is real and can be proven.

    • "The truth is, I didn't do it." (A factual statement)
    • "She spoke the truth about his lies." (A truthful statement)
    • "He sought the truth in history." (The actual facts of the past)

  • Figurative Truth (Personal/Emotional): Sometimes “truth” refers to a deep, often unspoken, feeling or realization. This is often more about inner understanding than objective fact.

    • “There was a truth about him that I couldn’t quite grasp.” (A hidden quality or feeling about someone)
    • “She finally told me the truth about our relationship - it was over.” (Revealing a heartfelt reality)

2. As a Verb (Less Common, but Important):

  • To Reveal the Truth: To make something that was hidden known.

    • “The investigation will truth the facts of the case.” (Will reveal the facts)
    • “The documents truth a conspiracy.” (Revealed a conspiracy)

  • To Tell the Truth: To speak honestly and accurately.

    • “Always truth the truth, even when it’s difficult.”
    • “He’s known for his honesty, so you can truth to him.”

3. Phrases & Idioms with "Truth":

  • The truth of the matter: The real facts or explanation of something.

    • "The truth of the matter is that we ran out of money."

  • To tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth: A traditional oath about honesty.

    • "I swear to tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth so help me God."

  • Speak the truth to power: To be honest and challenge authority.

    • "He was brave to speak the truth to power."

  • A matter of truth: Something that is undeniably real.

    • "That's a matter of truth; it happened."

  • Black and white truth: A clear, simple, and undeniable reality – not nuanced or complicated.

    • "The black and white truth is that we lost the game."

4. Nuances & Considerations:

  • Subjectivity vs. Objectivity: "Truth" can be tricky. Objectivity means something is true regardless of what someone thinks or feels. Subjectivity means truth is influenced by personal perception.

  • Relative Truth: In some contexts (like philosophy or social sciences), “truth” can be viewed as “relative” – meaning it’s dependent on a particular perspective or framework. (This is a more advanced concept).

  • "Truth" vs. "Fact": While often used interchangeably, “fact” usually refers to a specific piece of information that can be verified. “Truth” can be broader, encompassing understanding, meaning, and even emotional reality.

How to Help Me Give You More Targeted Advice:

To help me give you even more relevant information, could you tell me:

  • What context are you thinking about? (e.g., writing a story, having a conversation, an academic paper?)
  • Are there any specific sentences you’re struggling to use correctly? (If so, please share them.)

Synonyms for the word truth

Idioms of the word truth

be economical with the truth
if you say that somebody has been economical with the truth, you mean that they left out some important facts, but you do not want to say that they were lying
    bend the truth
    to say something that is not completely true
    • I wasn’t exactly lying when I said I hadn’t seen her—I was just bending the truth a little.
    if (the) truth be known/told
    used to tell somebody the true facts about a situation, especially when these are not known by other people
    • If the truth be known, I was afraid to tell anyone.
    in truth
    (formal)used to emphasize the true facts about a situation
    • She laughed and chatted but was, in truth, not having much fun.
    the moment of truth
    a time when somebody/something is tested, or when important decisions are made
    • The moment of truth is when the trainee pilots take over the controls of the plane.
    nothing could be further from the truth
    used to say that a fact or comment is completely false
    • She thinks I don’t like her but nothing could be further from the truth.
    • I know you think she's mean, but nothing could be further from the truth.
    to tell (you) the truth
    (informal)used when admitting something
    • To tell you the truth, I'll be glad to get home.
    • I got a bit big-headed, to tell the truth.
    • To tell you the truth, I'm rather dreading his return.
    truth is stranger than fiction
    (saying)used to say that things that actually happen are often more surprising than stories that are invented
      (the) truth will out
      (saying)used to say that people will find out the true facts about a situation even if you try to keep them secret

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