true
true — verb
1. to adjust something so that it is perfectly straight, level, or in the correct p
to adjust something so that it is perfectly straight, level, or in the correct position — for example, making sure a bicycle wheel runs evenly or a piece of wood is exactly flat
Imani trued the bicycle wheel by tightening the spokes with a small wrench.
true + wheel (bicycle maintenance)
The carpenter trued the wooden shelf by sanding the edge until it was straight.
Daichi trued the metal frame by tapping it gently with a rubber mallet.
technical register: true + metal / wooden frame
Maeve trued the blade of the hand plane before shaping the door panel.
Before fitting the door, Niran trued the wooden frame with a spirit level.
- true a wheel
- true a frame
- true a blade
- true the edge
- true a saw
- align
more common and general; 'true' implies precision adjustment to a standard
- straighten
simpler and more widely understood; less precise than 'true'
- square
specifically for making something at a right angle; 'true' covers any correct position
- misalign
to put into a wrong or crooked position
Grammar Patterns
true + object (wheel / frame / blade / edge)
Usage Note
Almost always used in technical or craft contexts such as woodworking, bicycle repair, and metalworking. The verb is regular (true → trued → truing). Do not confuse with the much more common adjective 'true' (factually correct).
Common Mistakes
true — noun
1. the state of being positioned or arranged at the correct angle or along the corr
the state of being positioned or arranged at the correct angle or along the correct line — used especially to describe whether a wheel, a door frame, a machine part, or a building component is straight and properly aligned.
A bicycle wheel that is out of true wobbles when you ride.
out of true — not correctly aligned
Otis used a spirit level to check if the kitchen cabinets were in true.
in true — correctly aligned
The garage door would not close properly because its track had gone out of true.
A mechanic can usually bring a buckled wheel back to true by adjusting the spokes.
bring X back to true — restore correct alignment
Nikhil noticed that the window frame was out of true by almost two centimetres.
- out of true
- in true
- back to true
- knock something out of true
- bring something to true
- alignment
more general term; 'true' specifically describes the correct state of that alignment
- squareness
focuses on right-angle accuracy; 'true' covers any correct line or angle
- plumb
only for vertical alignment; 'true' can apply to horizontal or vertical
Grammar Patterns
out of true (most common)
be true / come true (rare, technical)
Usage Note
Almost always used in fixed phrases — most commonly 'out of true' (not correctly aligned) and less often 'in true' (correctly aligned) or 'back to true' (restored to correct alignment). The full form 'bring/come/knock something out of true' is also frequent.
Common Mistakes
out of true
idiomnot positioned, arranged, or shaped correctly — so that something is crooked, uneven, or not working smoothly because it has moved slightly from the proper angle or line.
After the accident the car's steering wheel was out of true and pulled to the left.
A wooden door can swell in damp weather and become out of true, making it hard to shut.
true — adjective
1. saying or describing something that matches what actually happened or is the cas
saying or describing something that matches what actually happened or is the case — not a mistake or a lie
Everything Karim said about the accident turned out to be true.
Is it true that the library will close at six tonight?
pattern: It is true that… — reporting factual claims
The story in the newspaper was not true, so the editor printed an apology.
Karim and Amira have a love story that is hard to believe but completely true.
Rafael checked the sales figures twice to make sure they were true.
- true story
- true statement
- be true
- prove true
- come true (in this sense only for predictions)
Usage Note
Often used with reporting verbs and that-clauses (e.g., 'It is true that…', 'I heard it is true that…'). Common in question form when checking facts.
Common Mistakes
2. describes a statement that is correct in some ways but leaves out important deta
describes a statement that is correct in some ways but leaves out important details or gives an incomplete picture
True, we raised prices, but we also improved our ingredients.
pattern: It is true (that)…, but… — acknowledging a point while adding a counterpoint
True, the team lost the game, but they played better than they had all season.
Haruto admitted his colleague's claim was true, though only part of the picture.
The report is true as far as it goes, but omits key causes.
collocation: true as far as it goes — limited accuracy
- true but
- true enough
- true as far as it goes
- it is true that…
- accurate enough
informal phrase suggesting limited correctness
- correct in part
emphasises partial accuracy
Usage Note
Frequently used with 'but' to concede a point before introducing a counterargument. The expression 'true as far as it goes' is a fixed phrase that signals incomplete coverage.
Common Mistakes
3. existing as a real thing or fact in the world, not just in someone's imagination
existing as a real thing or fact in the world, not just in someone's imagination or as an appearance
The painting was not a copy but a true work by the Italian master Caravaggio.
In many fairy tales, the hero learns his true identity at the end.
The documentary tries to show the true cost of fast fashion on the environment.
Sven had never seen a true desert until he visited the Sahara last March.
collocation: true [noun] — for the most authentic or real example
Brooke finally showed her true feelings when she started crying at the farewell party.
- true nature
- true identity
- true meaning
- true value
- true love
- true character
Usage Note
Often placed before nouns to emphasise that something is the most authentic or essential example of its kind. Cannot always substitute with 'real' in fixed expressions (e.g., 'true love' is more idiomatic than 'real love').
Common Mistakes
4. happening or appearing in reality the way you had hoped, wished, or expected — u
happening or appearing in reality the way you had hoped, wished, or expected — used only after the verb 'come' when describing dreams, wishes, or predictions
After years of saving, Amira's dream of owning a café finally came true.
pattern: [dream/wish] + come true
Tamas had always wanted to visit Japan, and his wish came true last spring.
For the village children, a new playground was a dream come true.
collocation: a dream come true (noun phrase)
Hari's prediction about the election results came true on the morning after the vote.
- dreams come true
- wish come true
- prediction come true
- nightmare come true
- a dream come true
- be realised
more formal, often used for plans or goals
- be fulfilled
suggests that a hope or desire has been satisfied
- fail
when a hope or plan does not happen
- fall through
informal, for plans that do not work out
Grammar Patterns
come true
Usage Note
This sense is ALWAYS used with the verb 'come' (or in the fixed noun phrase 'a dream come true'). It does not appear in other syntactic positions — you cannot say 'a true dream' to mean a realised dream.
Common Mistakes
5. showing steady support and commitment to a person, group, or cause through both
showing steady support and commitment to a person, group, or cause through both good and difficult times
Romi remained true to her friends even when they faced serious trouble at work.
pattern: stay/remain + true to [someone]
The old dog had been a true companion to the family for over twelve years.
A true friend does not disappear when things get hard.
The soldiers stayed true to their mission even after their leader was injured.
- true friend
- true companion
- true to
- stay true
- remain true
- unfaithful
used in personal relationships
- disloyal
stronger; suggests betrayal of trust
Grammar Patterns
true to [someone/something]
Usage Note
Common in the construction 'true to [someone/something]' to express loyalty to a person, principle, or cause. 'True friend' and 'true companion' are fixed collocations that convey deep, tested loyalty.
Common Mistakes
6. acting in an honest way that matches your real feelings, beliefs, or personal va
acting in an honest way that matches your real feelings, beliefs, or personal values rather than pretending or following others
Eitan decided to be true to himself and quit the job he hated.
pattern: be true to [oneself] — acting according to one's values
Manuela always gave her true opinion, even when people disliked hearing it.
The painter stayed true to his vision and refused to change his work.
Lakan felt the politician was not true to the values he once defended.
Being true to your principles sometimes means making hard choices.
- true to yourself
- true to your beliefs
- true to your principles
- true to your word
- true nature
- hypocritical
acting against one's stated beliefs
- insincere
not expressing true feelings
Grammar Patterns
true to [oneself/one's principles]
Usage Note
Distinguish from sense 5: sense 6 emphasises internal honesty and authenticity (being true to YOURSELF or your beliefs), while sense 5 emphasises external loyalty (being true to ANOTHER PERSON or cause). The preposition 'to' is essential — 'true [someone]' without 'to' does not convey this meaning.
Common Mistakes
7. acting as others would normally expect based on past experience, especially when
acting as others would normally expect based on past experience, especially when this pattern of behaviour is predictable and a little annoying or amusing.
True to form, Bilal arrived late for the meeting and blamed the traffic.
phrase: true to form (predictable behaviour)
Sofie's cat, true to type, hid under the bed the moment the guests arrived.
phrase: true to type
True to form, the summer blockbuster was loud, fast, and not very deep.
Eli's response was true to character: patient, thoughtful, and full of good advice.
phrase: true to character
True to form, the restaurant served amazing food but forgot half our order.
- true to form
- true to type
- true to character
- true to reputation
- typical
focuses on being a usual example rather than matching past behaviour
- predictable
stronger emphasis on the lack of surprise, often negative
- unexpected
behaving in a way that surprises people, the opposite of predictable
Grammar Patterns
true to form
true to type
true to character
Usage Note
Almost always appears in the fixed phrases 'true to form', 'true to type', or 'true to character'. The phrase often introduces an example of the person's or thing's usual behaviour, and may carry a mildly critical or humorous tone.
Common Mistakes
8. having all the qualities that make a person or thing a genuine, proper example o
having all the qualities that make a person or thing a genuine, proper example of a particular type, so that they fully deserve the name or description.
A true friend supports you even when you have made a terrible mistake.
pattern: true + [role noun]
After years of practice, Lan had finally become a true professional dancer.
Folake believes that a true leader listens carefully before making a decision.
This sauce is not a true curry — it lacks the right spices for flavour.
negative: not a true [noun]
The gallery only displays true Renaissance paintings that can be traced to the period.
- true friend
- true professional
- true leader
- true artist
- true believer
- true Renaissance
Grammar Patterns
true + [noun - role/type]
true + [noun] of + [category]
Usage Note
Always used before a noun (attributive position). The noun it modifies is typically a role, type, or category label (friend, leader, artist, scholar, diamond). Can appear in negative form ('not a true…') to say something or someone does not fully qualify.
Common Mistakes
9. positioned, placed, or shaped in an exact way so that something is straight, lev
positioned, placed, or shaped in an exact way so that something is straight, level, or perfectly matches a required position.
The carpenter checked that the shelf was true before fixing it to the wall.
predicative: be true (level/straight)
The arrow flew straight and true, landing right in the centre of the target.
idiom: straight and true
Make sure the door frame is true to the vertical line marked on the wall.
pattern: true to [reference point]
One of the bicycle wheels was not true, so the ride felt bumpy and uneven.
Devika used a spirit level to check whether the floor was perfectly true.
- straight and true
- true to
- hold true
- out of true
- true edge
- true vertical
- crooked
not straight or aligned
- warped
bent or twisted out of true shape
- out of true
the conventional negative form ('the wheel is out of true')
Grammar Patterns
be true
true to [reference point]
straight and true
Usage Note
Common in woodworking, construction, mechanics, and sports (archery, shooting). The predicative form ('the post is true') means it is straight/level; the attributive form is rarer ('a true edge'). The expression 'straight and true' is an idiomatic pair meaning 'in a perfectly straight line'.
Common Mistakes
come true
idiomSomething that you hoped for actually happens.
Maya's dream of becoming a doctor finally came true.
Did your wish for a new bicycle come true?
To seem honest and real, or the opposite.
His excuse for being late did not ring true to me.
The politician's promises rang hollow after the election.
too good to be true
idiomSo good that you doubt it can be real.
The job offer was too good to be true, so I checked carefully.
Is that price too good to be true?
tried and true
idiomTested and proven to work well in the past.
Grandma's tried and true recipe always wins the baking contest.
We used a tried and true method to fix the leaky pipe.
your true colours
idiomSomeone's real personality, especially when it is bad.
When the project failed, the manager showed his true colours.
Did she reveal her true colours during the argument?
true to form
idiomBehaving exactly as one usually does, often in an annoying way.
True to form, Brian arrived late to every meeting.
Sara was true to form and forgot her keys again.
true to life
idiomLooking or sounding like real life, not fake.
The movie's special effects were so true to life.
Is this painting true to life?
true — adverb
1. in a way that follows a direct line toward a specific point, without turning or
in a way that follows a direct line toward a specific point, without turning or moving off course
Sayaka threw the knife true, and it stuck in the wooden board.
verb + true (aiming a thrown weapon)
The diver's body cut true through the water, barely making a splash.
Élise aimed true and the ball flew straight into the goal.
With the compass pointing true to north, Christopher led the group across the snow.
point true to [direction]
The missile flew true to its target, guided by the onboard computer.
fly true to [target]
- fly true
- aim true
- shoot true
- point true
- throw true
- run true
- steer true
- true to
- hold true
- straight
more general — simply means without curves; 'true' adds the idea of staying on the intended line to the mark
- directly
emphasizes the shortest route from A to B; 'true' has a sense of precision aiming
- accurately
focuses on the result (hitting the target); 'true' emphasizes the path itself
- wide
used of a shot or throw that misses its target to one side
- off course
describes a moving object that has left its intended path
Grammar Patterns
verb + true
verb + true + to + noun phrase
Usage Note
Frequently followed by a 'to'-phrase that names the destination or target (e.g. 'true to the mark', 'true to the line'). The verb is usually one of aiming, throwing, or directional movement; the adverb answers 'in what manner?' — straight and on course.
Common Mistakes
Word family
- truthnounA2
- trulyadverbB1
- truthfuladjectiveB2
- truthfullyadverbB2
- truthfulnessnounC1
- truismnounC1
- untruthnounC1
- untruthfuladjectiveC1
Synonym discussion
Sense: adjective/1
All four words describe closeness to fact, but they differ in scope and formality. 'Correct' is the most general term for a single answer, calculation, or piece of information ('the correct time is 3 PM'). 'Accurate' emphasises exactness and freedom from error, often used with measurements, reports, or descriptions ('an accurate account of the events'). 'Right' is more informal and overlaps with 'correct', but also carries a moral flavour ('the right thing to do'). 'Truthful' focuses on the honesty of a person or statement rather than precision ('a truthful witness gives honest answers'). 'True' (sense 1) sits between them: it describes a statement that matches reality, often with a broader sense of reliability than 'correct' or 'accurate'. For example: 'The weather forecast was correct about the rain' (factually right); 'The map is accurate to within one metre' (exact); 'She gave a truthful account of what she saw' (honest); but 'Everything he said turned out to be true' (matched reality as a whole).
Common collocations
Nouns
- true story
- true love
- true nature
- true meaning
- true identity
- true value
- true friend
- true believer
Adverbs
- absolutely true
- undeniably true
- especially true
- certainly true
- partially true
- quite true
- not strictly true
Phrases
- come true
- ring true
- hold true
- prove true
- too good to be true
- out of true
- true to form
- true to life
- true to type
- true to your word
- straight and true
- true as far as it goes
Prepositions
- true to
- true of
- true for
- true in
Etymology
The word 'true' comes from Old English 'trēowe', which meant 'faithful' or 'trustworthy' — a quality of a person, not a statement. It is related to 'troth' (a pledge of loyalty, as in 'plight one's troth'). The meaning broadened over time: from personal loyalty (still seen in 'true friend') to factual accuracy ('a true story') to physical alignment ('straight and true'). The root goes back to Proto-Germanic *trewwjaz, and further to an Indo-European root meaning 'tree' or 'firm' — suggesting steadfastness like a tree. Cognates include German 'treu' (faithful) and Dutch 'trouw' (loyal).