Truth is what is actually real or factual, as opposed to what is false, mistaken, or made up. When you tell the truth, you say what really happened, even when it might be easier or more comfortable to lie. When a statement matches reality, we say it's true. If you say “It's raining outside” and water is indeed falling from the sky, you've spoken the truth.

The word carries a sense of reliability and accuracy. Scientists search for truth by testing their ideas against evidence from experiments. Historians seek truth by examining documents and artifacts to understand what really happened in the past. When a friend always tells you the truth, you can trust what they say because their words align with reality.

Truth differs from opinion. “Chocolate is delicious” is an opinion that varies from person to person. “Chocolate contains cocoa” is a truth that holds regardless of anyone's feelings about it. Sometimes discovering the truth requires investigation and careful thought. A detective pieces together clues to find the truth about what happened at a crime scene. A jury listens to evidence to determine the truth in a courtroom.

Speaking the truth takes courage, especially when the truth is difficult or when lying might seem easier.