ENGLISH
REFERENCE

untrue

adj.
B1 Intermediate US //ənˈtɹu// UK //ʌntɹˈuː// un·true

adj. not based on facts or not correct. You use this to describe a statement or story that is false.

adj. not in accordance with fact or reality; false. Often used to describe statements, rumours, or accusations.


SIMPLE

The story about the missing money is completely untrue.

CONTEXTUAL

She felt hurt when she heard the untrue rumours that her colleagues were spreading about her work ethic.

COMPLEX

While the witness's testimony was not intentionally deceptive, several of the details provided were later proven to be untrue by forensic evidence.

Origin

From Middle English untrewe, from Old English untrīewe, from Proto-West Germanic untriuwī, from Proto-Germanic untriwwiz. Equivalent to un- + true.

Usage

Often follows a linking verb like 'be', 'seem', or 'prove'.

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