half-truth
UK[ˈhɑːfˌtruːθ]US[ˈhæfˌtruːθ]
n
a statement that is only partly true, especially one that is intended to deceive people or that mixes truth and falsehood.
Morpheme Breakdown
half
truth
half
partial
truth
factual statement
Etymology
the compound 'half-truth' is a straightforward english formation from two native old english elements. 'half' originates from proto-germanic halbaz, meaning "side" or "part," and 'truth' derives from the old english 'trēowth,' meaning "faithfulness" or "constancy," which itself is based on the root for "tree," symbolizing something firm and steadfast. the logic of the compound is transparently literal, combining the concept of a partial or incomplete ('half') state with that of a factual statement ('truth'). this literal combination evolved into the modern abstract meaning of a deceptive statement that contains some factual elements to make the falsehood more credible.
Analysis
Structure: half (partial) + truth (factual statement)
half (old english, meaning "side, part"); truth (old english, meaning "faithfulness, fact, reality").
Examples
the politician's claim was a clever half-truth, designed to mislead without technically lying.
admitting only part of the story is often worse than a lie; it's a damaging half-truth.
the advertisement was banned for promoting the product with a dangerous half-truth.