What Is a Truism? | Definition & Examples

A truism is a statement that is so obviously and self-evidently true, that it seems pointless to mention it. Using a truism is often looked down on, but they can be useful when explaining something at a basic level.

Truism definition

By its very nature, a truism can seem wise or profound when first encountered: “Look before you leap” can seem like good advice; indeed, it is good advice. But very often it can be offered as a platitude rather than constructive advice on a specific course of action.

Sometimes, whether a statement is a truism or a vital truth can be a matter of opinion. “Two wrongs don’t make a right” might seem like a truism, but in the heat of the moment, it can be useful advice that helps to deescalate a fraught situation.

Why do writers use truisms?

Given that truisms are generally viewed negatively, it is worth considering why writers use them in their work.

Characterization. Authors use truisms to demonstrate that a character is perhaps idealistic, naive, or shallow.

Irony and humor. Truisms can be used by authors to create humor or irony.

As a rhetorical device. Writers and speakers sometimes use truisms as a rhetorical device, to help to imprint an idea in their audience’s minds.

Creating common ground. Given their self-evident nature, truisms can help to create a sense of common ground between people. Like rhetoric, it can be used by politicians to create a sense of unified purpose and belonging.

Simplifying complex ideas. Complex ideas are notoriously difficult to communicate effectively to an audience, especially in spoken form. A truism can cut through the complexity and give a sense of understanding.

Truism examples

Here are some of the more commonly encountered truisms.

Terms related to truism

There are other terms that refer to truths that are generally accepted, but that have different connotations:

• Platitude. When a statement or advice becomes so overused that it loses its power or meaning, it can become a platitude. That doesn’t mean it is no longer true, but it loses its effect (e.g., “If at first you don’t succeed, try again”).
• Aphorism. Aphorisms are short statements, usually requiring some thought, that express a truth about life (e.g., Socrates’ statement “The unexamined life is not worth living”).
• Bromide. Sometimes common sayings, intended to be a source of comfort, become robbed of their effectiveness by overuse (e.g., “Time is a great healer”).
• Adage. An adage is a memorable expression, usually quite condensed, that is generally seen as a wise saying (e.g., “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks”).

In everyday English you can use truism, bromide, and platitude as synonyms.

Frequently asked questions about truisms

What is a synonym for truism?

Perhaps the closest synonym for truism is “cliché,” as they share the sense of a saying that has lost its meaning through overuse.

Other words that share some of the meaning of truism include:

• Axiom: A self-evident truth that requires no proof.
• Platitude: A statement or remark that has a moralistic tone but has lost its force through overuse.
• Self-evident: Something that is self-evident needs no explanation.

Other words, such as “commonplace,” “dictum,” “proverb,” and “maxim,” all refer to a saying that is widely accepted as true, but they don’t carry the sense of lost meaning.

The Scribbr paraphrasing tool can help you find the perfect synonym for truism or any other word or phrase.

What is an example of a truism?

“Time is a great healer” is an example of a truism because it is a phrase that contains a truth but has been overused. It is this overuse that leads to its becoming a truism.

Other examples of truisms include:

• “It is what it is.”
• “Money doesn’t buy happiness.”
• “Patience is a virtue.”
• “You win some, you lose some.”

In general, it is best to avoid truisms unless you are using them to create a particular aspect of a character.

What is the difference between truism and cliché?

The main difference between a cliché and a truism is that although all clichés are truisms, not all truisms are clichés.

A truism can describe a widely-accepted truth, without necessarily having lost its impact through overuse.

However, in everyday use, there is little significant difference, and most people will probably use them interchangeably.

Note:

In American English it is normal and acceptable to say, “That is so cliché!” In British English, this would be unusual, and instead you should say, “That is so clichéd!” or “That is such a cliché!”