What Is a Truism?| Definition & Examples
A truism is a self-evident statement that is too obvious and hardly worth mentioning.
While truisms can sometimes be seen as lacking originality or depth, they can also be valuable for conveying universal truths in a relatable way. Because of this, we encounter them in different contexts, including literature, public speaking, and casual conversations.
Truism definition
A truism is a widely accepted statement that is so obviously true it does not need or deserve further discussion. It is difficult to argue against truisms because they express self-evident, universally accepted truths that are hard to refute like “Believe in yourself” or “Life isn’t fair.”
Truisms may sound profound at first, but upon closer examination, they often lack new insights and tend to be simplistic. However, whether a statement is perceived as meaningful and profound or trite and obvious can be subjective. For example, the proverb “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step” may be self-evident to some but highly motivational to others.
Why writers use truisms
A truism can be used effectively as literary device, serving various purposes:
- Characterization. Truisms can reveal aspects of a character’s personality. For example, a character who frequently uses truisms may be portrayed as childish or superficial.
- Humor and irony. Authors can use truisms to create humor or irony, especially when a character states something obvious in a serious context. This can highlight the absurdity of a situation.
- Rhetorical device. Sometimes writers may incorporate a truism when they want to make sure an idea is imprinted in their reader’s mind. This can be particularly useful in speeches or persuasive writing, where conveying ideas clearly is essential.
- Creating common ground. Because truisms are self-evident, they can establish a shared understanding between the author and the audience. By stating an obvious truth, writers can connect with the audience, allowing them to introduce more original thoughts and ideas.
- Simplifying complex ideas. Truisms can distill complex concepts into easily understandable statements, making them more accessible to readers.
Truism examples
Truisms are often found in literature, speeches, and everyday conversations.
Truism examples in speeches
Speakers often include truisms in their speeches to establish common ground with their audience, but we often use them in casual conversation too. Some are repeated so often that they have become clichés.
Happiness comes from within | It is what it is |
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Change is the only constant | Success breeds success |
If you don’t first succeed, try again | You win some, you lose some |
Patience is a virtue | Money doesn’t buy happiness |
Everyone makes mistakes | You get what you pay for |
Time heals all wounds | Knowledge is power |
Related terms
The following terms all express generally accepted truths, but they have different connotations:
- Aphorism. A short statement that encapsulates a general truth about life. Aphorisms tend to be clever and usually require some interpretation. For example, “No man ever steps into the same river twice.”
- Platitude. A statement, often on a moral topic, that is true but has lost its meaning due to excessive use. A platitude is usually a truism as it lacks originality and depth (e.g., “Honesty is the best policy”).
- Adage. A condensed and memorable expression that has become accepted as conventional wisdom. Adages often convey meaning through metaphors (e.g., “Absence makes the heart grow fonder”).
- Bromide. A common saying that is intended to comfort people but has been repeated so many times that it has become boring and meaningless. (e.g., “When life hands you lemons, make lemonade.”)
The terms “truism,” “platitude,” and “bromide” are treated as synonyms in everyday language.
Frequently asked questions about truisms
- What is the difference between a tautology and a truism?
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The difference between a tautology and a truism lies in their definition and use context:
- A tautology is a statement that repeats the same idea using different words, which makes it logically redundant. For example, “free gift.”
- A truism is a self-evident and widely accepted statement that adds little or no value to a discussion because it does not provide any new or interesting information. For example, “What goes around comes around.”
In short, a tautology involves redundancy or logical repetition, while a truism states an obvious truth that lacks depth or new information.
- What is the difference between a cliché and a truism?
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Cliche and truism are closely related, but there is a difference between the two:
- A cliché is an expression that is truthful but has lost its originality or impact due to overuse (e.g. “as strong as an ox”).
- A truism is a statement that is so obviously true that it is often considered unhelpful or unnecessary (e.g., “You can’t have your cake and eat it too”).
While both clichés and truisms express ideas that may be widely accepted, clichés are overused expressions that have lost their impact, whereas truisms are obvious truths that do not provide new insights or information.