The phrase "whole truth" is often misspelled as "hole truth" or "hold truth". The correct spelling is important to convey the entire, complete truth. The word "whole" is pronounced as /hoʊl/ with a silent 'w' at the beginning, followed by the long 'o' sound and the 'l' sound. This should not be confused with the word "hole", which is pronounced as /hoʊl/ but with a short 'o' sound and an aspirated 'h'. Therefore, it is crucial to pay attention to the spelling and pronunciation to appropriately communicate the intended message.
The term "whole truth" is defined as the entirety or complete disclosure of all relevant facts and information pertaining to a situation or event. It is the comprehensive and unreserved account of the truth, leaving no aspect concealed or misrepresented. In legal contexts, the whole truth is often required to be revealed under oath or within a legal deposition.
This concept suggests that conveying the whole truth encompasses not only conveying factual information accurately but also includes providing context, explanations, and additional relevant details that are necessary to gain a complete understanding of the truth. It carries the idea of transparency and honesty, as withholding or distorting elements of information may cause the presentation or understanding of the truth to be incomplete or misleading.
The importance of the whole truth lies in its role in accurately depicting a situation or event, ensuring that all parties involved have access to a complete set of information, and allowing them to make informed judgments or decisions based on a comprehensive understanding. Failing to disclose the whole truth can lead to misunderstandings, misinterpretations, and potential harm or injustice to individuals or society at large. Thus, striving to reveal the whole truth is a vital principle in various domains, including law, journalism, ethics, and interpersonal interactions.
The word "whole" traces its origins back to the Old English word "hal", which means healthy or sound. Over time, it evolved into "hāl" in Middle English. The word "truth" has its roots in the Old English word "trīewth", which means faithfulness or constancy. Both words have Germanic origins.
The phrase "whole truth" emerged by combining these two words. "Whole" refers to the entirety or completeness of something, while "truth" denotes veracity or accuracy. When used together, "whole truth" implies conveying all the facts or information without any omission or distortion. It is often associated with the legal concept of telling the whole truth in court proceedings.