Word
untrue
Phoneticsun·true, stress on the second syllable
US/ənˈtɹu/
UK/ʌntɹˈuː/
Definitions
01false or incorrect
B1 · Intermediate
adj. not based on facts; false.
adj. factually inaccurate or not in accordance with reality.
“The rumours about the company closing down turned out to be completely untrue.”
“The witness provided a statement that was later proven to be untrue during the cross-examination by the defence attorney.”
02not loyal
B2 · Upper Intermediate Literary
adj. not faithful to a partner, friend, or duty.
adj. lacking in loyalty or fidelity; specifically used regarding romantic partners or moral obligations.
“He felt guilty because he had been untrue to his wife.”
“The protagonist struggles with the consequences of being untrue to his principles in order to achieve professional success.”
Usage
Often followed by the preposition 'to'.
Teaching tip
In modern conversation, 'unfaithful' is much more common than 'untrue' when talking about romantic relationships.
Synonyms
Etymology
From Middle English untrewe, from Old English untrīewe, from Proto-West Germanic untriuwī, from Proto-Germanic untriwwiz. Equivalent to un- + true.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- 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.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL 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: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/untrue