UNTRUE

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does untrue mean? 

• UNTRUE (adjective)
  The adjective UNTRUE has 4 senses:

1. not according with the facts

2. not true to an obligation or trust

3. not accurately fitted; not level

4. (used especially of persons) not dependable in devotion or affection; unfaithful

  Familiarity information: UNTRUE used as an adjective is uncommon.

 Dictionary entry details 

• UNTRUE (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Not according with the facts

Context example:

unfortunately the statement was simply untrue

Similar:

false (not in accordance with the fact or reality or actuality)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Not true to an obligation or trust

Context example:

is untrue to his highest opportunity and duty

Similar:

unfaithful (not true to duty or obligation or promises)

Sense 3

Meaning:

Not accurately fitted; not level

Synonyms:

out of true; untrue

Context example:

off-level floors and untrue doors and windows

Similar:

uneven (not even or uniform as e.g. in shape or texture)

Sense 4

Meaning:

(used especially of persons) not dependable in devotion or affection; unfaithful

Synonyms:

false; untrue

Context example:

when lovers prove untrue

Similar:

inconstant (likely to change frequently often without apparent or cogent reason; variable)

 Context examples 

Your words are such as ought not to be used: violent, unfeminine, and untrue.

(Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë)

It was so wicked, so untrue and ungrateful, how could I say it!

(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)

All this, however, was untrue; the cat had no cousin, and had not been asked to be godmother.

(Fairy Tales, by The Brothers Grimm)

To believe in things that you cannot. Let me illustrate. I heard once of an American who so defined faith: 'that faculty which enables us to believe things which we know to be untrue.' For one, I follow that man. He meant that we shall have an open mind, and not let a little bit of truth check the rush of a big truth, like a small rock does a railway truck.

(Dracula, by Bram Stoker)

The life that is in you cries out that it must live, no matter what the cost; so you live ignominiously, untrue to the best you dream of, sinning against your whole pitiful little code, and, if there were a hell, heading your soul straight for it.

(The Sea-Wolf, by Jack London)

But no one found the words thoughtless or untrue, for Beth still seemed among them, a peaceful presence, invisible, but dearer than ever, since death could not break the household league that love made dissoluble.

(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)

Most of those reports were a nightmare—grotesque, circumstantial, eager and untrue.

(The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald)

The first part of this was obviously untrue for someone had begun to whistle "The Rosary," tunelessly, inside.

(The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald)

This was untrue.

(The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald)