What does veracious mean?
Veracious is a formal adjective describing someone or something that is truthful, honest, and worthy of belief. A veracious witness speaks without deception, while a veracious account represents events with care and accuracy. The word is commonly used for testimony, reporting, documents, and other forms of testimony that are presented as dependable. Its tone is strongly approving, so calling a person or statement veracious carries an implicit judgment that the evidence is genuine and that exaggeration has been avoided. Although the word can describe honesty in general, it is especially useful when emphasizing that words correspond closely to facts. Veracious comes from Latin, and its precise, elevated character makes it particularly appropriate in legal, journalistic, historical, and formal contexts rather than casual conversation.
adjectiveTruthful and trustworthy; marked by honesty and accuracy.
- Truthful and honest, especially in speech or writing.
- Accurate and reliable, as of an account, report, or witness.
"The newspaper published a veracious account of the events, without exaggeration or speculation."
"Her testimony was veracious from beginning to end."
"The documentary offers a veracious portrayal of life in the coastal village."
Veracious is a word for words that deserve to be believed—and for people who refuse to twist the truth.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does veracious come from?
Veracious entered English in the early 17th century from Latin verax, meaning “truthful” or “true-speaking,” with the related genitive veracis. The Latin word derives from verus, meaning “true,” the source of several English words about truth and genuineness. English initially used veracious chiefly for truthful speech and testimony; its modern use for accurate reports and accounts developed from that association.
Related word forms
How veracious is actually used
Veracious is formal and often commendatory. It is stronger and more specific than truthful, because it can imply that a statement is not only honest but also accurate and reliable.
Easily confused with veracious
Veracious is an adjective meaning truthful or trustworthy, whereas veracity is a noun meaning truthfulness or accuracy.