The phrase "hold true" means to remain valid or accurate over time. It is spelled with an "o" in "hold" and "ue" in "true". The IPA phonetic transcription for "hold" is /hoʊld/, and for "true" it is /truː/. The "o" in "hold" makes the "oh" sound, while the "ue" in "true" represents a long "u" sound followed by a silent "e". Together, the phrase is pronounced as /hoʊld truː/. Understanding the phonetic transcription can help with proper spelling and pronunciation of this phrase.
To "hold true" means to remain valid, accurate, or applicable in a particular context or circumstance. It signifies that a statement, belief, principle, or fact retains its truthfulness or reliability even under specific conditions or over an extended period of time.
When something holds true, it implies that it continues to be valid or effective without substantial alteration or deviation. It suggests a consistency in the accuracy or applicability of a concept, law, hypothesis, or assumption, regardless of changing circumstances.
This phrase often indicates the durability or endurance of a statement or claim. It asserts that a specific condition, observation, or principle continues to be accurate or relevant even in the face of various influences, challenges, or counterarguments. It implies a level of unwavering trustworthiness or reliability.
"Hold true" is typically used to express the stability, consistency, or reliability of a particular concept or idea. It emphasizes the unwavering nature of a statement, highlighting its ability to remain accurate or relevant through time, and in different contexts or situations.
Overall, the phrase "hold true" suggests that an idea, principle, or statement still carries meaning, validity, or usefulness despite the passage of time or the occurrence of potential factors that might challenge its accuracy or applicability.
The phrase "hold true" is not much of an independent word with a distinct etymology. Instead, it is a combination of two separate words that have their etymologies:
- "Hold" comes from the Old English word "healdan", which means "to grasp or keep", derived from the Proto-Germanic word "haldanan". It has also been influenced by the Old Norse word "halda". Over time, "healdan" developed into "hold" in Middle English.
- "True" is derived from the Old English word "treowe", which means "faithful" or "trustworthy". It can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "treuwaz".
Combining these two words resulted in the phrase "hold true", meaning to maintain or remain valid and accurate. It is often used to indicate that something is still applicable or relevant.