untrue
untrue
UK[ʌnˈtruː]US[ʌnˈtruː]
adj
not in accordance with fact or reality; false or incorrect.
adj
not faithful or loyal.
Morpheme Breakdown
un
true
un
not
true
in accordance with fact
Etymology
the word 'untrue' is a transparent english compound formed by the native prefix 'un-' and the adjective 'true'. its lineage is firmly germanic, with 'true' deriving from old english terms related to faithfulness and steadfastness, concepts rooted in trust within personal and social bonds. the prefix 'un-', also from old english, is one of the language's most productive negators. therefore, the literal construction "not true" has remained semantically stable from its old english beginnings to its modern usage describing falsehood or disloyalty, showcasing the enduring clarity of this germanic morphological pattern.
Analysis
Structure: un (not) + true (in accordance with fact)
- un: a prefix of germanic origin (old english) meaning "not," serving a negating function.
- true: from old english "trēowe, trȳwe" (faithful, trustworthy), of germanic origin, serving as the core adjective.
Examples
the rumor about his resignation proved to be completely untrue.
she felt betrayed by his untrue promises.
it is untrue to claim that the event did not take place.