Do you know the definition of veracity? This article will provide you with all of the information you need on the word veracity, including its definition, etymology, usage, example sentences, and more!
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According to Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary of the English Language and Dictionary, the word veracity means truthfulness or fact. In journalism, one might try to verify the veracity of the stories they are telling, or if they receive an eyewitness testimony, the veracity of his account. A scientist who is trying to prove the veracity of his research might say, “We are trying to prove the veracity of our research, but have total confidence that we will.” Election holders might have to verify the veracity of mail ballots, or the veracity of a fact. This is a very versatile word that can be used in many different ways to describe a person i.e. a man of veracity, as well as many other circumstances that rely on actual fact. If someone were to have strong doubts about, say, the veracity of the accompanying photographs to an exposé, this person might question the authenticity of his photographs and accuse the journalist of replication. If someone questions another’s veracity, a natural reaction might be violent rage.
Many different languages also contain words that mean veracity. You may notice that some of these words look very similar to one another. These are called cognates. Cognates are words and phrases that look and sound similar between languages while also meaning something similar. These are often formed when two words have the same language of origin or root. This list of translations for the word veracity is provided by Word Sense.
The word veracity can be used in many different circumstances to refer to honesty and truth. Many different things can have veracity, from the veracity of the senses to the veracity of a situation. In this example, Matt is called into HR when he is accused of lying.
HR: Matt, as you know, veracity is at the basis of our core beliefs. Drastic action may be necessary given your ongoing narrative construction and lack of honesty. We are a social media giant, we can’t afford this bad press.
Matt: I promise, I have a plan of action. I didn’t mean to cause this chaos.
What is the origin of the word veracity?
According to Etymonline, the word veracity has been used since the 1620s. This word comes from the French véracité, a 17th century word. This French word comes from the Medieval Latin veracitatem, from the nominative Medieval Latin vērācitās, meaning truthfulness. These come from the Latin vērax or verax, from the genitive veracis and the Latin veras or verus meaning thrush. These are from the Proto-Indo-European root were-o meaning trustworthy. Related words include verity and verisimilitude.
What are synonyms and antonyms for the word veracity?
There are many different words that a person can use in place of the word veracity. These are called synonyms, which are words and phrases that have the same definition as another given word or phrase. Synonyms are a great way to expand your English language vocabulary and avoid repeating yourself. This list of synonyms for the word veracity is provided by Thesaurus.
credibility
nitty-gritty
fairness
infallibility
picture
fidelity
gospel
verisimilitude
truism
genuineness
unvarnished truth
principle
fact
inside track
veracity
uprightness
candor
score
factuality
certainty
exactness
probity
whole story
actuality
gospel truth
real McCoy
legitimacy
rectitude
trueness
exactitude
integrity
straight stuff
authenticity
perfection
truthfulness
reality
factualness
dope
rightness
word
axiom
honest-to-god truth
verity
trustworthiness
facts
plain talk
truth
accuracy
precision
frankness
honesty
case
like it is
correctness
impartiality
naked truth
openness
honest truth
factualism
scoop
honor
maxim
sincerity
There are also many different words that have the opposite meaning as the word veracity. These are called antonyms, which are opposite words to synonyms. These words contain the opposite meaning of a given word or phrase. This list of antonyms for the word veracity is also provided by Thesaurus.
duplicity
deception
overreaching
dirty dealing
perfidiousness
fourberie
treachery
chicanery
racket
mendacity
improbability
fraud
craftiness
craft
corruption
unscrupulousness
falsity
insidiousness
slyness
deceit
dissemblance
trickiness
wiliness
guile
ambidexterity
cozening
deceitfulness
cheating
hypocrisy
infidelity
faithlessness
infamy
trickery
stealing
dishonesty
trapping
sharp practice
pretense
improbity
hocus-pocus
dissimulation
fraudulence
double-dealing
falsehood
cunning
bunk
two-timing
criminality
chicane
underhandedness
defrauding
swindle
smoke and mirrors
artifice
rascality
dirty pool
graft
perfidy
hanky-panky
imposition
ambidextrousness
two-facedness
crookedness
entrapping
flimflam
Overall, the word veracity means truth or honesty. One can use the word veracity in many different ways to refer to the honest message or irrefutable proof positive of veracity.
Kevin Miller is a growth marketer with an extensive background in Search Engine Optimization, paid acquisition and email marketing. He is also an online editor and writer based out of Los Angeles, CA. He studied at Georgetown University, worked at Google and became infatuated with English Grammar and for years has been diving into the language, demystifying the do's and don'ts for all who share the same passion! He can be found online here.