true Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun proper alignment; the property possessed by something that is in correct or proper alignment
    • out of true
  2. verb make level, square, balanced, or concentric
    true up.
    • true up the cylinder of an engine
  3. adjective consistent with fact or reality; not false
    • the story is true
    • it is undesirable to believe a proposition when there is no ground whatever for supposing it true"- B. Russell
    • the true meaning of the statement
  4. adjective satellite accurately placed or thrown
    dead on target.
    • his aim was true
    • he was dead on target
  5. adjective satellite devoted (sometimes fanatically) to a cause or concept or truth
    • true believers bonded together against all who disagreed with them
  6. adjective expressing or given to expressing the truth
    truthful.
    • a true statement
    • gave truthful testimony
    • a truthful person
  7. adjective satellite conforming to definitive criteria
    • the horseshoe crab is not a true crab
    • Pythagoras was the first true mathematician
  8. adjective satellite worthy of being depended on
    reliable; dependable; honest.
    • a dependable worker
    • an honest working stiff
    • a reliable sourcSFLe of information
    • he was true to his word
    • I would be true for there are those who trust me
  9. adjective satellite not pretended; sincerely felt or expressed
    unfeigned; genuine.
    • genuine emotion
    • her interest in people was unfeigned
    • true grief
  10. adjective satellite rightly so called
    • true courage
    • a spirit which true men have always admired
    • a true friend
  11. adjective satellite determined with reference to the earth's axis rather than the magnetic poles
    • true north is geographic north
  12. adjective satellite having a legally established claim
    rightful; lawful.
    • the legitimate heir
    • the true and lawful king
  13. adjective satellite in tune; accurate in pitch
    on-key.
    • a true note
  14. adjective satellite accurately fitted; level
    straight.
    • the window frame isn't quite true
  15. adverb as acknowledged
    admittedly; confessedly; avowedly.
    • true, she is the smartest in her class

WordNet

True adjective
Etymology
OE. trewe, AS. treówe faithful, true, from treów fidelity, faith, troth; akin to OFries. triuwe, adj., treuwa, n., OS. triuwi, adj., trewa, n., D.trouw, adj. & n., G. treu, adj., treue, n., OHG. gitriuwi, adj., triuwa, n., Icel. tryggr, adj., Dan. tro, adj. & n., Sw. trogen, adj., tro, n., Goth. triggws, adj., triggwa, n., trauan to trust, OPruss druwis faith. Cf. Trow, Trust, Truth.
Wordforms
comparative Truer ; superlative Truest
Definitions
  1. Conformable to fact; in accordance with the actual state of things; correct; not false, erroneous, inaccurate, or the like; as, a true relation or narration; a true history; a declaration is true when it states the facts.
  2. Right to precision; conformable to a rule or pattern; exact; accurate; as, a true copy; a true likeness of the original.
    Making his eye, foot, and hand keep true time. Sir W. Scott.
  3. Steady in adhering to friends, to promises, to a prince, or the like; unwavering; faithful; loyal; not false, fickle, or perfidious; as, a true friend; a wife true to her husband; an officer true to his charge.
    Thy so true, So faithful, love unequaled. Milton.
    Dare to be true: nothing can need a lie. Herbert.
  4. Actual; not counterfeit, adulterated, or pretended; genuine; pure; real; as, true balsam; true love of country; a true Christian.
    The true light which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. John i. 9.
    True ease in writing comes from art, not chance. Pope.
    ✍ True is sometimes used elliptically for It is true.
True adverb
Definitions
  1. In accordance with truth; truly. Shak.

Webster 1913