The true story of 'true' - Gina Cooke
445,899 Views
5,522 Questions Answered
Let’s Begin…
The
older the word, the longer (and more fascinating) the story. With roots
in Old English, 'true' shares etymological ancestors with words
like betroth and truce...but also with the word tree. In fact, trees
have been metaphors for steadfastness and faithfulness for as long as
the word true has defined the same qualities. Gina Cooke describes the
poetic relationship between 'tree' and 'true.'
The word true can mean "faithful" of "factual," but both of these meanings carry a sense of reliability, steadfastness. Think of three or four phrases that use the word true or its derivatives -- like tried and true or the truth will out (or others) -- and consider what true means in those phrases. What is the common thread among their various meanings?
Sign in to answer questionAbout TED-Ed Animations
TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »
Meet The Creators
- Educator Gina Cooke
- Animator Brad Purnell
- Narrator Addison Anderson
