Confused words ( real and true)?

Question

1) Now I can see your true face.2) Now I can see your real face.3) It is the real diamond4) It is the true diamond.which one is correct? what is the difference between " real and true"?thanks alot

CalifJim · Accepted Answer

real is "not artificial".
true is "not false".

your true face takes face as metaphoric for character. It suggests that a person's character has been revealed to be other than what it appeared to be previously. The truth about the person has come out. A related expression is "to show your true colors".

your real face takes face as literal. It may suggest that the person was wearing a mask or a lot of makeup, and the removal of the mask or makeup revealed the face as it really was.

the real diamond would be used to contrast that diamond with an artificial diamond.

the true diamond doesn't seem to bring any particular image to mind. I don't think I would use that.

It gets confusing because there are times when true and real are used interchangeably. Sometimes it's just a matter of choosing the word that is typically used in the given context, regardless of its exact meaning.

CJ

AlpheccaStars · Answer

They are close in meaning and sometimes interchangable.

Real means authentic, not fake. We use it frequently for tangible things.

This is a real (not synthetic or man-made) diamond.
I see your real face (the one you were born with, not one that is covered by a mask)

True means not deceiving, not telling a lie, not tricking us. We use it frequently for intangible things.

Now I see your true character. (You are not putting on an act, pretending that you are someone that you are not.)
Madoff finally revealed his true character when he was arrested, a liar, cheater and embezzler.
The book is based on a true story. He gave a true account of what happened.
I found my one true love.

Sometimes they are interchangable:
He is a real friend / he is a true friend.

Here are some notes from the dictionary:

Real, actual, true in general use describe objects, persons, experiences, etc., that are what they are said or purport to be. That which is described as real is genuine as opposed to counterfeit, false, or merely supposed: a real emerald; real leather binding; My real ambition is to be a dentist. Actual usually stresses contrast with another state of affairs that has been proposed or suggested: The actual cost is much less; to conceal one's actual motive. True implies a perfect correspondence with actuality and is in direct contrast to that which is false or inaccurate: a true account of the events; not bravado but true courage.

Napoleonponapa · Answer

Thanks

Can I say:

1) a true story

2) a real story

which one is correct? the story is intangible , so we use a true story, correct?

thanks alot

CalifJim · Answer

A true story is true because it actually happened. It records facts.
Otherwise, it is called a work of fiction.
Or, if you are telling falsehoods, it is called lying. You can say, "I assure you I'm not lying. What I'm telling you is a true story."

I would use "true story" because a real story would be the opposite of an artificial story, and that doesn't make sense to me.

CJ

Confused words ( real and true)?

Top answer

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

Related Questions