veracity

noun

ve·​rac·​i·​ty və-ˈra-sə-tē 

plural veracities

1

: conformity with truth or fact : accuracy

2

: devotion to the truth : truthfulness

3

: power of conveying or perceiving truth

4

: something true

makes lies sound like veracities

Did you know?

Veracity has been a part of English since the early 17th century, and we can honestly tell you that it derives from the Latin adjective vērāx ("truthful"), which in turn comes from the earlier vērus ("true"). Vērus also gives us verity ("the quality of being true"), verify ("to establish the truth of"), and verisimilitude ("the appearance of truth"), among other words. In addition, vērāx is the root of the word veraciousness, a somewhat rarer synonym and cousin of veracity.

Synonyms

• honesty
• integrity
• probity
• truthfulness
• verity

Examples of veracity in a Sentence

What gives the book its integrity are the simplicity and veracity of these recipes and the small touches—bits of history, discovery and personal reflection. —Harvey Steiman, Wine Spectator, 31 Mar. 1998

The trial began with a flurry of motions and questions challenging the judge's authority and veracity. The defendants earlier had called the judge's authority into question when jurors were selected two weeks ago. —Chris Bird, San Antonio Express-News, 23 Jan. 1996

… some documentary photographers supported the photographer's right to find essential rather than literal truths in any situation, while others … insisted on absolute veracity, maintaining that for images to be true to both medium and event, situations should be found, not reenacted. —Naomi Rosenblum, A World History of Photography, 1989

We questioned the veracity of his statements.

The jury did not doubt the veracity of the witness.

Recent Examples on the Web

This has prompted concerns from lovers of the book, who worry that Elba's potentially imperfect depiction of the Igbo accent may eat at the veracity of the film. —Ime Ekpo, Forbes, 28 Sep. 2024

Lyle and Erik's extended family members were divided on the veracity of the abuse claims. —Jessica Sager, Peoplemag, 21 Sep. 2024

Viewers are supposed to be as shattered by this account as Abramson is, but the drama simultaneously leaves a modicum of doubt on the veracity of the nightmarish memory. —Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 20 Sep. 2024

The Carnegie Hero Fund Commission has strict criteria for applicants to be named, and their own investigators certify the veracity of the reported acts of heroism. —Teri Figueroa, The Mercury News, 24 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin vērācitāt-, vērācitās, from Latin vērāc-, vērāx "truthful" + -itāt-, -itās -ity — more at very entry 2

First Known Use

1614, in the meaning defined at sense 2

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Kids Definition

veracity

noun

ve·​rac·​i·​ty və-ˈras-ət-ē 

plural veracities

1

: devotion to the truth : truthfulness

questioned the veracity of the witness

2

: agreement with truth or fact

described it with veracity