Truth
Be Told …
Exploring truth isn’t as easy as it might sound.
Perhaps if we give it another name …
VERIDICAL (vɘ ridʹI kɘl) adj. – 1) truthful,
veracious; 2) corresponding with reality or facts (n. – veridicality)
[WW #273]
Below are oft-used words commonly interchangeable
in fiction, nonfiction, and casual conversation, that all contain a veridical
reference in definition. Truth preceded by accepted or general,
may be more of interpretation rather than established principle or literal meaning.
However, you should know the differences that
can greatly alter their meanings and distort the veridicality of your writing.
According to the dictionary, three of these
words include a veridical definition; only one deals with near
absolutes and another is often included as a synonym, but scarcely compares meaning
to the others.
adage / axiom
/ idiom / maxim
Do you, in truth, know when to use
them?
-
adage: an old saying that has been popularly accepted as a truth.
-
axiom: 1) a statement universally accepted as true, maxim;
[LR: to confuse the issues, while the first meaning allows the truth to be
subjective, the next two definitions of this word are “proven” veridical]
2) an established principle or law of a science, art, etc.; 3) Logic, Math.
a statement or proposition that needs no proof because its truth is obvious, or
one accepted as true without proof.
-
idiom: 1) the language or dialect of a people, region, class, etc; 2) the
usual way in which the words of a particular language are joined together to
express thought; 3) a phrase, construction, or expression that is recognized as
a unit in the usage of a given language & either differs from the usual
syntactic patterns or has a meaning that differs from the literal meaning of
its parts taken together …
o LR: While the phrase of an idiom may not be a truth, its origin is
true to the language, people or region it represents.
-
maxim: a concisely expressed principle or rule of conduct, or a statement
of a general truth; SYN.: saying.
The problem with veridical references, is one person’s truth can be another’s pure hogwash.
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Fun Fact: Truth … veridical or otherwise … has been explored since ancient civilization began. Even in song: ♪ And the lonely voice of youth cries | "What is Truth?"* ♪ Johnny Cash asked us, in his crossover Country Rock song that climbed high on the U.S. radio chart ladders. Lots of listeners asked the question as they boosted it to #6 at KFRC/San Francisco, April 22, 1970. *Listen to the song. We’re still asking, fifty years later.
Word Challenge: VERIDICAL. Carefully consider the context of how you
use the above four words, to maintain veridicality in
your week of clever writings.
Learning knows no prejudices or boundaries, and it isn’t fattening!
Expanding your mind is a no-cost, simple joy. Do you feel that way too? What’s your
inspiration? Share your creative genius and Wordplay Wednesday comments below.
Write first for yourself … only then can you write for others. (L.Rochelle)
[LinDee Rochelle is a writer and editor by
trade, and an author by way of Rock & Roll. She has published two books in
her Blast from Your Past series (of
three) about pioneering R&R Radio DJs. True behind-the-mic tales make GREAT
Holiday and anytime Gifts available on Amazon (eBook and print): Book 1 – Rock & Roll Radio DJs: The First Five Years
1954-1959; and Book
2 – Rock & Roll Radio DJs: The Swinging Sixties. Coming soon … The Psychedelic
Seventies!]
*Note: 1) Dictionary
definitions are quoted from Webster’s New World College Dictionary. Yes,
we sometimes present them out of “official” context—but that’s half the fun!
Think of it as “creative context.” 2) Neither I (LinDee Rochelle) nor Penchant
for Penning are responsible for how you use information found here, that may
result in legal action.
E-N-Dzzzzzzzz
