veritable

adjective

ver·​i·​ta·​ble ˈver-ə-tə-bəl 

: being in fact the thing named and not false, unreal, or imaginary

—often used to stress the aptness of a metaphor

a veritable mountain of references

veritableness noun

veritably

ˈver-ə-tə-blē 

adverb

Did you know?

Veritable, like its close relative verity ("truth"), came to English through Anglo-French from Latin. It is ultimately derived from verus, the Latin word for "true," which also gave us verify, aver, and verdict. Veritable is often used as a synonym of genuine or authentic ("a veritable masterpiece"), but it is also frequently used to stress the aptness of a metaphor, often in a humorous tone ("a veritable swarm of lawyers"). In the past, usage commentators have objected to the latter use, but today it doesn't draw much criticism.

Examples of veritable in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

At one time, my own front yard had turned into a veritable pride-of-Madeira forest thanks to the self-sowing proclivity of this plant. —Joshua Siskin, Orange County Register, 15 Feb. 2025

Fortunately, there is a veritable roadmap to environmental salvation. —Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 14 Feb. 2025

Choose from a veritable rainbow of solid and heathered colors to suit all tastes, from navy to bright orange or violet. —Jessica MacDonald, Travel + Leisure, 30 Jan. 2025

After spending his first three big-league seasons in Chicago’s bullpen, Crochet moved to the rotation last year and emerged as a veritable force. —Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 30 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, "reliable, honest, true, factual," borrowed from Anglo-French (continental Old French, "real, true"), from verité "truth, verity" + -able -able

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!

Kids Definition

veritable

adjective

ver·​i·​ta·​ble ˈver-ət-ə-bəl 

: actual, true

—often used to stress the appropriateness of a metaphor

a veritable mountain of papers

veritably

-blē 

adverb