Definition

Noun: - An obvious truth: A statement that is so obviously true or widely accepted that it is considered trivial or not worth mentioning. It often expresses a self-evident fact or a commonplace observation.

Examples

Advanced Usage

• As a rhetorical device: A truism can be used deliberately in writing or speech to emphasize a fundamental, undeniable point, often as a starting point for a more complex argument.
  • He began his essay with the truism that all men are mortal before exploring philosophical concepts of legacy.
• In a pejorative sense: The term is often used critically to describe a statement that is overly simplistic, unoriginal, or fails to add meaningful insight.
  • The report was criticized for offering little more than tired truisms instead of actionable analysis.

Variants and Related Words

• Truistic (adjective): Having the nature of a truism; stating an obvious truth.
  • His argument was truistic and failed to address the nuances of the problem.

Synonyms

• Platitude: A remark or statement, especially one with a moral content, that has been used too often to be interesting or thoughtful. (Often carries a stronger negative connotation than .)
• Bromide: A trite and unoriginal idea or remark, typically intended to soothe or placate.
• Commonplace: A usual or ordinary statement; a platitude.
• Axiom: A statement or proposition which is regarded as being established, accepted, or self-evidently true. (More formal and often used in logic or mathematics.)

Idioms and Common Phrases

• "To state the obvious": This phrase is a near-equivalent action to uttering a truism.
  • "Forgive me for stating the obvious, but we need revenue to stay in business."

Noun

1. an obvious truth