Definition

A statement that is not true; a lie or falsehood.

Example

He was caught telling a mistruth about his whereabouts last night.

Conversation

Did you hear the latest gossip about Sarah?

Yeah, but I think it's just a mistruth going around.

I hope so, because she doesn't deserve that kind of rumor.

Exactly! It's frustrating how quickly mistruths spread.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Mistruth → It is formed from "mis-" (meaning wrongly or badly) and "truth" (from Old English "triewð", meaning fidelity or faithfulness). The word "mistruth" refers to a statement that is wrongly presented as the truth or a falsehood.

Memory Tip

Think of 'mis-' meaning wrongly, and 'truth' referring to what is real. This helps you remember that 'mistruth' means something that is wrongly claimed to be true.

Visually Confused Words