veracity
vuh-RAS-ih-tee
/vəˈræsɪti/
Conformity to facts; accuracy. Habitual truthfulness.
Specifically refers to the truthfulness or accuracy of statements, reports, or representations. It's about factual correctness and adherence to truth, often in a journalistic or legal context.
The story behind the word. 'Veracity' comes from the Latin 'verax,' meaning 'truthful,' which itself is derived from 'verus,' meaning 'true.' This root 'verus' is also found in words like 'verify' and 'verdict.' So, veracity is quite literally the quality of being true or speaking the truth.
Word relationships
- truthfulness: Very close in meaning, often interchangeable.
- accuracy: Focuses on precision and correctness, especially of data or measurements.
- credibility: Refers to the quality of being believable or trustworthy, which is often built upon veracity.
- falsity: The state of being untrue.
- deception: The act of misleading or tricking.
- mendacity: Untruthfulness; a lie.
Commonly confused with
- authenticity: 'Veracity' is about the truthfulness of information or statements; 'authenticity' is about the genuineness of an object or person.
Word family
- veracious (adjective): Speaking or representing the truth.
Collocations
- question the veracity
- establish veracity
- veracity of a claim
- veracity of a statement
Example sentences
- "Journalists must always strive for veracity in their reporting, ensuring all facts are checked and sources are reliable." Discussing journalistic standards.
- "The lawyer questioned the veracity of the witness's testimony, pointing out several inconsistencies." Questioning a witness's statement.
Memory hook
Think 'VERA' as in 'VERY' true, or 'VERIFY' the truth. 'VERACITY' is about truthfulness. Truthfulness
When not to use
Do not use 'veracity' to describe the genuineness of an object or person (use 'authenticity' instead), but rather the truthfulness of information.
Fun facts
- The legal term 'voir dire' (to speak the truth) shares the same Latin root 'verus'.
- In journalism, 'veracity' is a cornerstone of ethical practice.
Related words
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