true
(redirected from truing)Also found in: Thesaurus, Legal, Idioms, Encyclopedia.
true
(tro͞o)adj. tru·er, tru·est
1.
a. Consistent with fact or reality; not false or erroneous: the true cost. See Synonyms at real1. See Usage Note at fact.
b. Not counterfeit; real or genuine: true gold. See Synonyms at authentic.
c. Conforming to the characteristics or criteria of a group or type; typical: a true crab; a true gentleman.
d. Properly called: true value.
2. Reliable; accurate: a true prophecy.
3.
a. Faithful, as to a friend, vow, or cause; loyal. See Synonyms at faithful.
b. Archaic Truthful, honest, or trustworthy.
4. Sincerely felt or expressed; unfeigned: true grief.
5. Rightful; legitimate: the true heir.
6.
a. Exactly conforming to a rule, standard, or pattern: trying to sing true B.
b. Accurately shaped, fitted, or placed: Are the wheels true?
c. Determined with reference to the earth's axis, not the magnetic poles: true north.
7. Quick and exact in sensing and responding: a true ear.
8. Computers Indicating one of two possible values taken by a variable in Boolean logic or a binary device.
adv.
1. In accord with reality, fact, or truthfulness.
2. Unswervingly; exactly: The archer aimed true.
3. So as to conform to a type, standard, or pattern.
tr.v. trued, tru·ing or true·ing, trues
To position (something) so as to make it balanced, level, or square: trued up the long planks.
n.
1. Truth or reality. Used with the.
2. Proper alignment or adjustment: out of true.
[Middle English trewe, from Old English trēowe, firm, trustworthy; see deru- in Indo-European roots.]
true′ness n.
Word History: The words true and tree are joined at the root, etymologically speaking. In Old English, the words looked and sounded much more alike than they do now: "tree" was trēow and "true" was trēowe. The first of these comes from the Germanic noun *trewam; the second, from the adjective *treuwaz. Both these Germanic words ultimately go back to an Indo-European root *deru- or *dreu-, appearing in derivatives referring to wood and, by extension, firmness. Truth may be thought of as something firm; so too can certain bonds between people, like trust, another derivative of the same root. A slightly different form of the root, *dru-, appears in the word druid, a type of ancient Celtic priest; his name is etymologically *dru-wid-, or "strong seer."
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
true
(truː)adj, truer or truest
1. not false, fictional, or illusory; factual or factually accurate; conforming with reality
2. (prenominal) being of real or natural origin; genuine; not synthetic: true leather.
3.
a. unswervingly faithful and loyal to friends, a cause, etc: a true follower.
b. (as collective noun; preceded by the): the loyal and the true.
4. faithful to a particular concept of truth, esp of religious truth: a true believer.
5. conforming to a required standard, law, or pattern: a true aim; a true fit.
6. (Music, other) exactly in tune: a true note.
7. (Navigation) (of a compass bearing) according to the earth's geographical rather than magnetic poles: true north.
8. (Biology) biology conforming to the typical structure of a designated type: sphagnum moss is a true moss, Spanish moss is not.
9. (General Physics) physics not apparent or relative; taking into account all complicating factors: the true expansion of a liquid takes into account the expansion of the container. Compare apparent3
10. not true informal unbelievable; remarkable: she's got so much money it's not true.
11. true to life exactly comparable with reality
n
correct alignment (esp in the phrases in true, out of true)
adv
12. truthfully; rightly
13. precisely or unswervingly: he shot true.
14. (Biology) biology without variation from the ancestral type: to breed true.
vb, trues, truing or trued
(tr) to adjust so as to make true
[Old English triewe; related to Old Frisian triūwe, Old Saxon, Old High German triuwi loyal, Old Norse tryggr; see trow, trust]
ˈtrueness n
Collins English Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged, 12th Edition 2014 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2014
true
(tru)adj. tru•er, tru•est, adj.
1. being in accordance with the actual state or conditions; conforming to reality or fact: a true story.
2. real; genuine; authentic: true gold.
3. sincere; not deceitful: a true interest in others.
4. loyal; faithful; steadfast: a true friend.
5. being or reflecting the essential or genuine character: the true meaning of his statement.
6. conforming to or consistent with a standard, pattern, etc.: a true copy.
7. exact; precise; accurate; correct: a true balance.
8. such as it should be; proper: to arrange things in their true order.
9. properly so called; rightly answering to a description: true statesmanship.
10. legitimate or rightful: the true heir.
11. reliable, unfailing, or sure: a true sign.
12. exactly or accurately shaped, formed, fitted, or placed, as a surface or instrument.
13. honest; honorable; upright.
14. conforming to the type, structural standards, or norm of a particular group: The lion is a true cat.
15. purebred.
16. (of a bearing, course, etc.) determined in relation to true north.
17. Archaic. truthful.
n. 18. exact or accurate formation, position, or adjustment: to be out of true.
19. the true, something that is true; truth.
adv. 20. in a true manner; truly; truthfully.
21. exactly or accurately.
22. in conformity with the ancestral type: to breed true.
v.t. 23. to adjust, shape, place, etc., exactly or accurately; make true.
24. (esp. in carpentry) to make even, symmetrical, level, etc. (often fol. by up).
Idioms: come true, (of a wish, dream, etc.) to become a reality.
[before 900; Middle English trewe (adj. and adv.), Old English trēowe (adj.) loyal, trustworthy (compare trow, truce); akin to Old High German gitriuwi, Old Norse tryggr, Gothic triggws trustworthy]
true′ness, n.
Random House Kernerman Webster's College Dictionary, © 2010 K Dictionaries Ltd. Copyright 2005, 1997, 1991 by Random House, Inc. All rights reserved.
true
– come true1. 'true'
A true story or statement is based on facts, and is not invented or imagined.
The story about the murder is true.
Unfortunately it was true about Sylvie.
2. 'come true'
If a dream, wish, or prediction comes true, it actually happens.
Remember that some dreams come true.
The worst of the predictions might come true.
Be Careful!
Don't say that something 'becomes true'.
Collins COBUILD English Usage © HarperCollins Publishers 1992, 2004, 2011, 2012
true
Past participle: trued
Gerund: truing
Imperative |
---|
true |
true |
Collins English Verb Tables © HarperCollins Publishers 2011
ThesaurusAntonymsRelated WordsSynonymsLegend:
Switch to new thesaurus
Noun | 1. | ![]() alignment - the spatial property possessed by an arrangement or position of things in a straight line or in parallel lines |
Verb | 1. | ![]() |
Adj. | 1. | ![]() correct, right - free from error; especially conforming to fact or truth; "the correct answer"; "the correct version"; "the right answer"; "took the right road"; "the right decision" faithful - steadfast in affection or allegiance; "years of faithful service"; "faithful employees"; "we do not doubt that England has a faithful patriot in the Lord Chancellor" honest, honorable - not disposed to cheat or defraud; not deceptive or fraudulent; "honest lawyers"; "honest reporting" sincere - open and genuine; not deceitful; "he was a good man, decent and sincere"; "felt sincere regret that they were leaving"; "sincere friendship" false - not in accordance with the fact or reality or actuality; "gave false testimony under oath"; "false tales of bravery" |
2. | ![]() accurate - conforming exactly or almost exactly to fact or to a standard or performing with total accuracy; "an accurate reproduction"; "the accounting was accurate"; "accurate measurements"; "an accurate scale" | |
3. | ![]() faithful - steadfast in affection or allegiance; "years of faithful service"; "faithful employees"; "we do not doubt that England has a faithful patriot in the Lord Chancellor" | |
4. | ![]() | |
5. | ![]() typical - exhibiting the qualities or characteristics that identify a group or kind or category; "a typical American girl"; "a typical suburban community"; "the typical car owner drives 10,000 miles a year"; "a painting typical of the Impressionist school"; "a typical romantic poem"; "a typical case of arteritis" | |
6. | true - worthy of being depended on; "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" trustworthy, trusty - worthy of trust or belief; "a trustworthy report"; "an experienced and trustworthy traveling companion" | |
7. | ![]() sincere - open and genuine; not deceitful; "he was a good man, decent and sincere"; "felt sincere regret that they were leaving"; "sincere friendship" | |
8. | ![]() real - no less than what is stated; worthy of the name; "the real reason"; "real war"; "a real friend"; "a real woman"; "meat and potatoes--I call that a real meal"; "it's time he had a real job"; "it's no penny-ante job--he's making real money" | |
9. | ![]() geographic, geographical - determined by geography; "the north and south geographic poles" | |
10. | ![]() legitimate - of marriages and offspring; recognized as lawful | |
11. | ![]() harmonious - musically pleasing | |
12. | ![]() even - being level or straight or regular and without variation as e.g. in shape or texture; or being in the same plane or at the same height as something else (i.e. even with); "an even application of varnish"; "an even floor"; "the road was not very even"; "the picture is even with the window" | |
Adv. | 1. | ![]() |
Based on WordNet 3.0, Farlex clipart collection. © 2003-2012 Princeton University, Farlex Inc.
true
adjective
1. correct, right, accurate, exact, precise, valid, legitimate, factual, truthful, veritable, bona fide, veracious Everything I had heard about him was true.
correct made-up, false, pretended, artificial, fake, unofficial, abnormal, imaginary, incorrect, bogus, fictional, inaccurate, untrue, illegitimate, self-styled, counterfeit, spurious, fictitious, erroneous, make-believe, atypical, untruthful, phoney or phony (informal)
correct made-up, false, pretended, artificial, fake, unofficial, abnormal, imaginary, incorrect, bogus, fictional, inaccurate, untrue, illegitimate, self-styled, counterfeit, spurious, fictitious, erroneous, make-believe, atypical, untruthful, phoney or phony (informal)
2. actual, real, natural, pure, genuine, proper, authentic, dinkum (Austral & N.Z. informal) I allowed myself to acknowledge my true feelings.
3. faithful, loyal, devoted, dedicated, firm, fast, constant, pure, steady, reliable, upright, sincere, honourable, honest, staunch, trustworthy, trusty, dutiful, true-blue, unswerving He was always true to his wife.
faithful unfaithful, false, untrue, unreliable, treacherous, disloyal, deceitful, faithless, untrustworthy
faithful unfaithful, false, untrue, unreliable, treacherous, disloyal, deceitful, faithless, untrustworthy
4. exact, perfect, correct, accurate, proper, precise, spot-on (Brit. informal), on target, unerring The score is usually a true reflection of events on the pitch.
exact incorrect, inaccurate, awry, askew
exact incorrect, inaccurate, awry, askew
5. rightful, legal, recognized, valid, legitimate, authorized, lawful, bona fide, de jure (Law) He was found to be the true owner of the suitcase.
6. sincere, real, genuine, unaffected, heartfelt, from the heart, unfeigned, unpretended God's anger could only be averted by true repentance.
adverb
1. truthfully, honestly, veritably, veraciously, rightly Does the lad speak true?
2. precisely, accurately, on target, perfectly, correctly, properly, unerringly Most of the bullets hit true.
come true happen, be realized, come to pass, become reality, occur, be granted Many of his predictions are coming true.
Proverbs
"Many a true word is spoken in jest"
"Many a true word is spoken in jest"
Collins Thesaurus of the English Language – Complete and Unabridged 2nd Edition. 2002 © HarperCollins Publishers 1995, 2002
true
adjective1. Conforming to fact:
3. Having or marked by uprightness in principle and action:
Informal: straight-shooting.
Idiom: on the up-and-up.
4. Not counterfeit or copied:
5. Worthy of belief, as because of precision or faithfulness to an original:
6. Accurately representing what is depicted or described:
7. Adhering firmly and devotedly, as to a person, a cause, or a duty:
8. Devoid of any hypocrisy or pretense:
9. Being so legitimately:
The American Heritage® Roget's Thesaurus. Copyright © 2013, 2014 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
TranslationsSelect a language:
Spanish / Español
true
[truː]A. ADJ (truer (compar) (truest (superl)))
1. (= not false) [story] → real, verídico; [account] → verídico; [statement] → cierto, verídico; [rumour] → cierto, verdadero
it is true that → es verdad or cierto que ...
is it true? → ¿es (eso) verdad?
it can't be true! → ¡no me lo creo!
I'm quite tired, it's true → es verdad or cierto que estoy bastante cansado
he's so jealous it's not true → es tan celoso que resulta difícil creerlo
is it true about Harry? → ¿es verdad or cierto lo de Harry?
true, but → cierto, pero ...
to come true [dream] → hacerse realidad; [wish, prediction] → cumplirse, hacerse realidad
it's a dream come true → es un sueño hecho realidad
true or false? → ¿verdadero o falso?
the reverse is true → ocurre lo contrario
it is true to say that → puede afirmarse que ...
the film is based on a true story → la película está basada en un hecho real or verídico
it's truer than you know → es más verdad de lo que te imaginas
that's true → es cierto, es verdad
too true → eso es totalmente cierto
it is only too true that → es lamentablemente or desgraciadamente cierto que ...
see also good A1
see also ring 2 C4
it is true that → es verdad or cierto que ...
is it true? → ¿es (eso) verdad?
it can't be true! → ¡no me lo creo!
I'm quite tired, it's true → es verdad or cierto que estoy bastante cansado
he's so jealous it's not true → es tan celoso que resulta difícil creerlo
is it true about Harry? → ¿es verdad or cierto lo de Harry?
true, but → cierto, pero ...
to come true [dream] → hacerse realidad; [wish, prediction] → cumplirse, hacerse realidad
it's a dream come true → es un sueño hecho realidad
true or false? → ¿verdadero o falso?
the reverse is true → ocurre lo contrario
it is true to say that → puede afirmarse que ...
the film is based on a true story → la película está basada en un hecho real or verídico
it's truer than you know → es más verdad de lo que te imaginas
that's true → es cierto, es verdad
too true → eso es totalmente cierto
it is only too true that → es lamentablemente or desgraciadamente cierto que ...
see also good A1
see also ring 2 C4
2. (= genuine) [gentleman, romantic, genius] → verdadero, auténtico; [friend, courage, happiness] → verdadero, de verdad, auténtico
music is her true love → su verdadero amor es la música
her true love (o.f.) (= sweetheart) → su gran amor m
then he was able to demonstrate his true worth → entonces pudo demostrar lo que valía realmente or su verdadera valía
music is her true love → su verdadero amor es la música
her true love (o.f.) (= sweetheart) → su gran amor m
then he was able to demonstrate his true worth → entonces pudo demostrar lo que valía realmente or su verdadera valía
3. (= real, actual) [feelings, motives, meaning] → verdadero; [value, cost] → verdadero, real
the true meaning of love → el verdadero significado del amor
this helps us to discover our true selves → esto nos ayuda a descubrir nuestra verdadera identidad
in the true sense (of the word) → en el sentido estricto (de la palabra), propiamente dicho
the true meaning of love → el verdadero significado del amor
this helps us to discover our true selves → esto nos ayuda a descubrir nuestra verdadera identidad
in the true sense (of the word) → en el sentido estricto (de la palabra), propiamente dicho
5. (= relevant, applicable) → cierto
to be true for sb/sth → ser cierto en el caso de algn/algo
this is particularly true for single women → esto es cierto particularmente en el caso de las mujeres solteras
this is true for nine out of ten cases → esto es cierto en nueve de cada diez casos
to hold true (for sb/sth) → ser válido (para algn/algo)
this is true of any new business venture → éste es el caso con cualquier empresa nueva
the same is true of nuclear power stations → el caso es el mismo con las centrales nucleares
to be true for sb/sth → ser cierto en el caso de algn/algo
this is particularly true for single women → esto es cierto particularmente en el caso de las mujeres solteras
this is true for nine out of ten cases → esto es cierto en nueve de cada diez casos
to hold true (for sb/sth) → ser válido (para algn/algo)
this is true of any new business venture → éste es el caso con cualquier empresa nueva
the same is true of nuclear power stations → el caso es el mismo con las centrales nucleares
6. (frm) (= faithful) I am a true believer in American values → creo firmemente en los valores americanos
to be true to sb/sth → ser fiel a algn/algo
to be true to o.s → ser fiel a sí mismo
true to form → como es/era de esperar
to be true to life → ser como la vida real
to be true to one's promise or word → ser fiel a su palabra or promesa, cumplir con su palabra or promesa
true to type → como es/era de esperar
to be true to sb/sth → ser fiel a algn/algo
to be true to o.s → ser fiel a sí mismo
true to form → como es/era de esperar
to be true to life → ser como la vida real
to be true to one's promise or word → ser fiel a su palabra or promesa, cumplir con su palabra or promesa
true to type → como es/era de esperar
7. (= accurate)
his aim was true → dio en el blanco
the portrait was a true likeness of her grandmother → el cuadro era un fiel retrato de su abuela
his aim was true → dio en el blanco
the portrait was a true likeness of her grandmother → el cuadro era un fiel retrato de su abuela
B. N to be out of true: the doorframe is out of true → el marco de la puerta no cae a plomo
the top of the window was out of true → la parte superior de la ventana no estaba nivelada
the top of the window was out of true → la parte superior de la ventana no estaba nivelada
C. ADV to breed true (Bio) → reproducirse conforme con la raza
D. CPD true colours, true colors (US) NPL to show one's true colours; show o.s. in one's true colours → mostrarse tal y como se es en realidad
to see sb in their true colours → ver a algn tal y como es en realidad
see also colour A6 true north N (Geog) → norte m geográfico
to see sb in their true colours → ver a algn tal y como es en realidad
see also colour A6 true north N (Geog) → norte m geográfico
Collins Spanish Dictionary - Complete and Unabridged 8th Edition 2005 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1971, 1988 © HarperCollins Publishers 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, 2000, 2003, 2005
true
(truː) adjective1. (negative untrue) telling of something that really happened; not invented; agreeing with fact; not wrong. That is a true statement; Is it true that you did not steal the ring?verdadero
ˈtrueness nounˈtruly adverb1. really. I truly believe that this decision is the right one.verdaderamente, realmente
2. in a true manner. He loved her truly.de verdad
Kernerman English Multilingual Dictionary © 2006-2013 K Dictionaries Ltd.
true
→ cierto , TRUE , verdaderoMultilingual Translator © HarperCollins Publishers 2009
true
a. verdadero-a, cierto-a, real; verídico-a.
English-Spanish Medical Dictionary © Farlex 2012
true
adj verdaderoEnglish-Spanish/Spanish-English Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2006 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.