Hold true 's definition, meaning and history

Meaning of “hold true”

The phrase “hold true” is an idiomatic expression that is used to describe the act of remaining valid, accurate, or reliable over time. When something “holds true,” it means that it continues to be true or applicable in various situations or circumstances. The phrase is commonly used to indicate that a statement, belief, or principle remains valid and consistent despite changing conditions or contexts.

For example, you might say “His advice always holds true” to indicate that his guidance or recommendations are consistently accurate and reliable. Or you could say “The theory holds true in practice” to suggest that a hypothesis or idea remains valid when put into action.

Here are some other things to know about “hold true”:

• It is often used informally in spoken English to describe the ongoing validity or reliability of something.
• The phrase can be used in both positive and negative contexts, like “The rule holds true in most cases” or “Her promises don’t hold true.”
• “Hold true” is commonly used to describe the continued relevance or accuracy of a statement, belief, or principle.
• The phrase can be followed by a noun or pronoun to specify the thing that remains valid or reliable, like “hold true for him” or “hold true for us.”

History of “hold true”

The phrase “hold true” has been in use for centuries, with its origins dating back to Middle English. Here’s what we know about its history:

• Early usage: The phrase “hold true” first appeared in English in the 14th century, with early examples found in texts from the 1300s.
• Evolution of meaning: Over time, “hold true” has come to be used more broadly to describe the ongoing validity or reliability of something.
• Informal usage: “Hold true” is considered an informal expression in English, often used in casual conversation or informal writing to talk about the consistency or accuracy of a statement or belief.
• Synonyms: Other phrases that can be used in place of “hold true” include “remain valid,” “stay accurate,” or “be reliable.”

Overall, “hold true” is a versatile idiom in English that is used to describe the act of remaining valid, accurate, or reliable over time. It is a common phrase that can be used in a variety of contexts to indicate that a statement, belief, or principle continues to be true and consistent despite changing conditions or contexts.

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