What does truism mean?
A truism is a statement regarded as obviously true, often because it expresses a familiar moral, broad generalization, or commonly accepted principle. The word is often used critically: calling something a truism suggests that it is so familiar or unoriginal that it offers little new information or insight. For example, saying that practice improves performance may convey a reasonable observation, but describing it as a truism implies that the point has already been made many times and does not advance an argument. A truism should not necessarily be mistaken for a falsehood; it is generally true but may lack originality, specificity, or practical value. The word is especially useful when discussing rhetoric, philosophy, politics, criticism, and public debate. It belongs to a family of expressions such as platitude, commonplace, and cliché, all of which can describe ideas that are familiar rather than genuinely illuminating.
nounA statement or proposition regarded as obviously true, especially one that is so familiar or unoriginal as to be of little value.
- A statement or proposition regarded as obviously true, especially one that is so familiar or unoriginal as to be of little value.
"The chairman dismissed the proposal as a truism that offered no practical solution."
"It is a truism that good communication is essential to effective teamwork."
"The essay concluded with several truisms about human nature without advancing its argument."
The standard plural form is truisms.
"The discussion was filled with truisms about ambition and hard work."
A truism is a truth with nowhere to go: once it has been heard, it often adds little.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does truism come from?
The word was formed in English from true and the productive suffix -ism, following the pattern of nouns formed from adjectives or roots. It is generally dated to the 17th century and initially referred to a statement or principle regarded as true. The suffix ultimately derives from Greek formations meaning an action, condition, or characteristic. The word shares its Old English root with true, truth, and trust.
Related word forms
How truism is actually used
The term is common in formal and educated usage in both British and American English. It often carries a mildly critical connotation, implying that a statement is obvious, unoriginal, or offered in place of genuine insight.
Easily confused with truism
A truism is a statement regarded as obviously true, whereas a platitude emphasizes a familiar or unoriginal idea presented as if it were meaningful.
A truism may be an overused statement of obvious wisdom, while an axiom is a proposition accepted as a foundational principle within a particular system or argument.