The word "untruthful" is spelled as /ʌnˈtruθ.fəl/. The first syllable, "un-", means "not", while the second syllable, "truth", means "the quality or state of being true". The "-ful" suffix means "full of" or "having the qualities of". So, overall, the word means "not full of truth" or "lacking honesty". The pronunciation includes a short "uh" sound followed by a stressed "tru" and a soft "th" sound, ending with an unstressed "ful".
The term "untruthful" is an adjective used to describe something or someone that is not truthful or honest. It refers to a lack of accuracy, reliability, or adherence to facts. An untruthful statement or claim is knowingly or intentionally false and does not correspond to reality. It implies an intention to deceive, mislead, or manipulate others through lies or falsehoods.
An untruthful person is often regarded as dishonest, lacking integrity, and untrustworthy. They may fabricate stories or provide misinformation with the intention of obscuring the truth, gaining personal advantage, or avoiding negative consequences. The act of being untruthful may involve distorting facts, omitting vital information, or providing false testimonies.
Untruthful information can have serious implications in various aspects of life, such as personal relationships, professional settings, legal proceedings, or public discourse. When individuals or organizations engage in untruthful behavior, it can erode trust, damage reputations, and create a sense of skepticism or doubt in the listener or observer.
It is essential to recognize and seek truthfulness in our own actions and in the information we consume. Honesty and truthfulness are values often upheld as vital for maintaining the integrity of personal character and fostering healthy relationships based on trust and transparency. Consequently, the opposite of untruthful would be truthful, honest, or sincere.
Having the habit of uttering falsehoods; not speaking the truth.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "untruthful" is derived from the combination of the prefix "un-" meaning "not" or "opposite of", and the adjective "truthful", which is formed from the noun "truth". The term "truth" originates from Middle English "treuthe" and Old English "triewth" or "treowth", meaning "faith" or "loyalty". It further traces back to the Proto-Germanic word "*treuwath", which evolved from the Proto-Indo-European base "*deru-" meaning "be firm" or "solid". Overall, "untruthful" was formed by adding the negating prefix "un-" to the base adjective "truthful", expressing the idea of not being truthful or honest.