true

- definition

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90% of the time, speakers of English use just 7,500 words in speech and writing. These words appear in red, and are graded with stars. One-star words are frequent, two-star words are more frequent, and three-star words are the most frequent.

Thesaurus

The thesaurus of synonyms and related words is fully integrated into the dictionary entries. Click on the T button in an entry to review the synonyms and related words for that meaning.

adjective

/truː/

adjective	true
comparative	truer
superlative	truest

1
based on facts or things that really happen, and not made up
The film is based on a true story.
They used to guarantee housing for all workers, but that’s no longer true.
be/hold true (for someone/something):
The students are excited and the same holds true for their teachers.
true of someone/something:
It rains a lot in the northwest, and that is especially true of Cumbria.
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of true
1. a.
  used for admitting that something is true, although you think that something else is also true and is more important
  Well, true, he is rich, but is he happy?
  True, I suppose I’ve never thought about it like that.
  it’s true (that):
  It’s true that my car cost a lot, but it’s a good investment.
  that may/might be true, but:
  ‘They say they are spending record amounts on public education.’ ‘Well, that may be true, but there are still shortages of teachers.’
  Thesaurus entry for this meaning of true
2
[only before noun] real or actual, especially when compared with how something seems to be
Lara never shows her true feelings.
The study shows that the true cost of nuclear energy is much higher than most people think.
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of true
3
[only before noun] a true friend, leader etc, or true love, happiness etc, has the qualities that you would expect that type of person or thing to have
Lynn has always been a true friend to me.
Curry was a true champion in every sense.
Nelson has a true passion for literature.
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of true
4
[never before noun] if you are true to someone or something, you continue to be loyal to them or support them despite anything that happens
true to:
I will always be true to you.
remain/stay true (to someone/something):
Through the years, Doug remained true to his family.
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of true
5
[never before noun] completely straight, upright, or level
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of true

phrases

someone’s aim is true
literary
if someone’s aim is true, they can throw or shoot something so that it goes exactly where they want it to go
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of true
(all/only) too true
used for saying that something is true when you wish that it was not
Sadly the rumour is all too true.
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of true
someone never said a truer word
used for saying that you agree completely with what someone has just said
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of true
(there’s) many a true word spoken in jest
used for saying that what someone says as a joke may in fact be correct or accurate
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of true
someone’s true colours
someone’s real personality, especially when it has unpleasant or bad qualities
He didn’t show his true colours until they made him chairman.
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of true
true to form/type
used for saying that someone is doing exactly what you expected because this is what they usually do
True to form, Tony asked to borrow some more money.
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of true
true to life
if a story, film, book etc is true to life, it is similar to what really happens in people’s lives
The characters in this novel are so true to life.
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of true
true to your word/promise
doing exactly what you said you would do
True to his promise, Brian called me the next day.
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of true

See also

come

Expressing yourself: true

Examples:

People often think those two are sisters, but in actual fact, they’re not even related.

There’s no denying Anthony is the best person for the job.

There’s no two ways about it, the best team won. ♦ We’re going to need to borrow some money, no doubt about it.

You can plead with him all you like, but the fact remains, he’s gone and he’s never coming back. ♦ The fact is, she lied about her qualifications when she applied for the job.

Let’s face it, we’re getting too old for all these parties and concerts. ♦ The truth is, I just don’t love you any more. ♦ There’s no escaping the fact that your sister is prettier than you.

If you don’t study harder for your exams, you’re going to fail, believe you me. ♦ Believe me, there will be difficult times ahead if we don’t act now.

‘Are you really going to quit your job and sail round the world?’ ‘You’d better believe it!’

Take my word for it, you’re better off without him – he wasn’t good enough for you.

Expressing yourself: true

Examples:

‘I’m sure he’ll be here soon.’ ‘Don’t you believe it! He never had any intention of coming.’

‘I hear you’re moving to a new school.’ ‘Where did you get that idea?’

They think I’m rich and successful, but nothing could be further from the truth.

‘James won’t be at the meeting – he’s on holiday this week.’ ‘There must be some mistake, I saw him just a minute ago.’

‘Is it true you’re going out with Helen?’ ‘I wish!’

This is the British English definition of true. View American English definition of true.

Change your default dictionary and thesaurus to American English.

vocal fry

a speech habit in which a speaker lowers their voice at the end of a sentence

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phrases

someone’s aim is true

(all/only) too true

someone never said a truer word

(there’s) many a true word spoken in jest

someone’s true colours

true to form/type

true to life

true to your word/promise

vocal fry

Word of the Day

dray

conflict mineral