true

Matching what really happened or exists, rather than something imagined or invented.

• That story is true.
• Is it true that you are moving?
• Her dream of owning a home came true.

How to use it: it is true that… (It is true that we have never met.)

Similar words: correct, accurate, factual

Opposites: false, untrue

Common phrases: true story, be true, true statement, come true

Always supporting someone and not breaking their trust.

• He is a true friend.
• She stayed true to her partner.
• True friends support you when life is difficult.

How to use it: be true to someone (She remained true to her friends during difficult times.)

Similar words: loyal, faithful, devoted

Opposites: disloyal, unfaithful

Common phrases: true friend, true to someone, remain true

Having the yes value in a system of logic with only yes and no values.

• The condition is true.
• This expression evaluates to true when both values match.
• The test returned true for every valid entry.

Opposites: false

Common phrases: true value, evaluate to true, return true, true condition

In an accurate direction or along the correct straight line.

• The arrow flew true.
• The repaired wheel now runs true.
• Does this old rifle still shoot true?

Similar words: accurately, straight

Common phrases: shoot true, run true, fly true

To make something straight or remove bends so it has the correct shape.

• The mechanic will true the wheel.
• She trued the bent shaft before fitting it.
• Can you true this bicycle rim?

Similar words: straighten

Opposites: bend

Common phrases: true a wheel, true the rim, true a shaft

To adjust something until its parts are even, correctly lined up, or accurate.

• We need to true the surface.
• The carpenter trued the edges before joining the boards.
• They trued up the accounts at the end of the year.

How to use it: true something up (The technician trued the machine's table up before using it.)

Similar words: align, adjust, level

Common phrases: true up something, true a surface, true an edge