Word
truthfulness
Phoneticstruth·ful·ness, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈtɹuθfəɫnəs/
UK/tɹˈuːθfəlnəs/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. honest words and actions that match what is really true. You show it when you tell the truth even when it is hard.
n. adherence to truth in statement and conduct; absence of deception or falsehood. Frequently contrasted with lying, exaggeration, or deliberate omission.
Examples
“People value truthfulness in a good friend.”
“The reporter checks every fact carefully because truthfulness matters more than speed.”
“The inquiry praised the witness for her quiet truthfulness, noting that her consistent account held firm even under prolonged cross-examination.”
Examples
simple
“People value truthfulness in a good friend.”
contextual
“The reporter checks every fact carefully because truthfulness matters more than speed.”
complex
“The inquiry praised the witness for her quiet truthfulness, noting that her consistent account held firm even under prolonged cross-examination.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “truthfulness” in context.
Verb
01. demand truthfulness
“Voters demand truthfulness from elected officials.”
verb + noun
02. insist on truthfulness
“Our teacher insists on truthfulness in all assignments.”
verb + prep + noun
03. question truthfulness
“Lawyers questioned the truthfulness of the witness.”
verb + noun
Adjective
04. absolute truthfulness
“She spoke with absolute truthfulness about her mistakes.”
adj + noun
05. brutal truthfulness
“He described his failure with brutal truthfulness.”
adj + noun
06. complete truthfulness
“The inquiry requires complete truthfulness from all witnesses.”
adj + noun
07. remarkable truthfulness
“The child answered with remarkable truthfulness.”
adj + noun
Noun
08. level of truthfulness
“We were surprised by the level of truthfulness in his apology.”
noun + prep + noun
09. appreciate her brutal truthfulness
“I appreciate her brutal truthfulness, even when it hurts.”
10. build a reputation for truthfulness
“She built a reputation for truthfulness over many years.”
11. insist on complete truthfulness
“The judge insisted on complete truthfulness from witnesses.”
12. question the truthfulness of claims
“Analysts questioned the truthfulness of the company's claims.”
Real-World Examples
“He also asked the court to examine the truthfulness of the answers the juror gave during the jury selection process, as well as his responses to prospective juror questionnaires.” “This approach invites students to critically analyze how denialist interpretations are constructed to persuade and how to evaluate their trustworthiness and truthfulness.” Etymology
From truthful + -ness.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/truthfulness