in the true meaning of the term

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in the true meaning of the term" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize that something is being understood or interpreted in its most accurate or original sense. Example: "He is, in the true meaning of the term, a leader who inspires others to achieve their best."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

We do need a political revolution to change all this, in the true meaning of the term.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Which use of 'happiness' corresponds to the true meaning of the term in contemporary English?

SEP

(That's actually a conservative position, in the true meaning of the word).

The New York Times

(Later, another Al Manar official suggested that I answer questions about what he termed "the true meaning of the Talmud").

The New Yorker

In the meantime, Britons will be debating the true meaning of the June 23 vote.

Los Angeles Times

That term causes me to pause and question the validity of the true meaning of the word friend.

Huffington Post

Remember the true meaning of the day.

Huffington Post

Know the true meaning of the song.

WikiHow

Moreover, graphene produced by this method grows on a non-crystalline Ni layer, not directly on the SiC crystal, which cannot be called "epitaxial graphene" in its true meaning of the term.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Their claims denigrate the suffering of those who know the true meaning of that term.

Huffington Post

For Dennis is codependent in the true meaning of that word.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in the true meaning of the term" to clarify abstract or contested concepts by returning to their fundamental definitions. For example, in philosophical or political discussions, this phrase can help ground arguments.

Common error

Avoid using "in the true meaning of the term" in casual conversation or informal writing. It can sound overly formal or pretentious when a simpler explanation would suffice.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the true meaning of the term" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to specify the intended or correct interpretation of a particular word or concept. It serves to clarify and emphasize the accuracy of a definition, as exemplified by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Formal & Business

7%

Academia

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in the true meaning of the term" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to emphasize the accurate or fundamental interpretation of a word or concept. Ludwig's analysis indicates that while grammatically sound and frequently used, its formality makes it best suited for neutral to formal contexts such as news, academic writing, or professional communication. Be mindful of simpler alternatives like "essentially" or "fundamentally" in casual settings. Considering the Ludwig AI insights the expression is correct and usable in written English when clarification or precision is needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the genuine sense of the word

Emphasizes authenticity and sincerity in the term's application.

in the proper sense of the term

Highlights correctness and adherence to established definitions.

in the real meaning of the phrase

Focuses on the actual or intended significance of the expression.

by definition

Implies that the meaning is inherent to the term itself.

strictly speaking

Indicates adherence to a precise and narrow interpretation.

in essence

Captures the fundamental or core meaning.

at its core

Highlights the most important or basic part of the meaning.

fundamentally

Focuses on the basic and essential aspect of the meaning.

by its original definition

Refers back to the initial or historical meaning of the term.

in its purest form

Implies an unadulterated or ideal version of the term's meaning.

FAQs

How can I use "in the true meaning of the term" in a sentence?

You can use "in the true meaning of the term" to emphasize the accurate or original sense of a concept. For example, "He is, "in the true meaning of the term", a leader who inspires others to achieve their best."

What's a simpler way to say "in the true meaning of the term"?

Alternatives include "essentially", "fundamentally", or "at its core", depending on the specific context. These options are less formal and more suitable for everyday conversation.

Is it ever wrong to use "in the true meaning of the term"?

While grammatically correct, using "in the true meaning of the term" can sound overly formal or pretentious in casual contexts. Consider whether a simpler phrase would be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "in the true meaning of the term" and "in the literal sense"?

"In the true meaning of the term" emphasizes the accurate or original interpretation, while "in the literal sense" focuses on the strict dictionary definition. The former allows for nuanced understanding, while the latter is more rigid.