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