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DictionarytrueFactual correctness
adjective / adverb / verb

true

TROO/truː/

Conforming to what is actual or correct.

The drawing gives a true picture of the three apples.

A clear glass jar holding exactly three apples beside an observer's matching drawing of three apples on paper, fact matched to representation, no text.
Etymology
trueOld Englishfaithful, trustworthy

Old English treowe described someone faithful and trustworthy. The meaning shifted from reliability in keeping faith to reliability in representing things as they really are.

In context

CrashCourse3:01
The proposition when I assert “This is a cat,” is true if the object of the “this” is in fact a cat, and false if it is anything other than a cat.
The Meaning of Knowledge: Crash Course Philosophy #7

More examples

  • The rumor turns out to be true.
  • She is a true expert in her field.
  • The arrow flies true toward the target.
  • The mechanic trues the wheel so it spins evenly.

Forms

true · truer · truest · trues · trued · truing · trueing

truth noun — What agrees with fact or reality.

truly adverb — In a way that matches reality.

Similar words

accurate
Emphasizes precision and freedom from errors in details.
correct
Emphasizes agreement with facts, rules, or accepted standards.
genuine
Emphasizes authentic identity or origin rather than factual accuracy.