true time
C1/C2Formal, Technical
Definition
Meaning
The precise, correct, or exact moment or measurement of time; time that is accurate or synchronized to a standard.
A concept relating to factual or real-time information, or a principle representing ultimate accuracy (as in 'true north' but for time).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
"True time" often appears in technical contexts (navigation, computing, astronomy, physics). In casual speech, it can be used figuratively to emphasize punctuality or perfect timing.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More common in British English technical writing, though standard in both. 'Real time' is more frequently used in American computing contexts.
Connotations
Implies absolute accuracy and authority; often institutional.
Frequency
Low-frequency compound term in general use; higher in technical registers.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
The [device] keeps true time.Synchronised to true [atomic] time.It is essential for [process] to run on true time.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To be ahead of one's true time (innovative)”
- “To keep true time (be punctual/accurate)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in logistics and global coordination: 'The trading platform timestamps all transactions using a true time server.'
Academic
Common in physics and engineering papers: 'The experiment requires events to be logged in true time.'
Everyday
Rare; used for emphasis: 'My grandfather's watch still keeps true time after 50 years.'
Technical
Core term in navigation (GNSS) and network synchronisation (NTP): 'The satellite broadcasts a signal containing the true time.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The observatory clock must be regulated to true time.
- The network time protocol ensures all servers are truing their time.
American English
- The system needs to true up its time with the atomic clock.
- We true our time signals daily.
adverb
British English
- The logs are stamped true time, Greenwich Mean Time.
- The system runs true time, accounting for leap seconds.
American English
- All events are recorded true time, Eastern Standard Time.
- The simulation executes true time, synchronized to UTC.
adjective
British English
- We received a true-time signal from the national laboratory.
- The true-time reference is crucial for the experiment.
American English
- The true-time data feed is encrypted.
- A true-time clock chip is installed on the board.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- My phone shows the true time because it updates automatically.
- The station clock shows the true time for the whole city.
- For the science project, we needed a source of true time to compare our results.
- The captain synchronised the ship's chronometer to the true time signal broadcast by radio.
- Global financial markets rely on transactions being timestamped to a single, agreed true time standard.
- The theory of relativity complicates the very definition of a universal 'true time' across vast distances.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a TRUE friend who is always on TIME. 'True Time' is the friend you can absolutely rely on for accuracy.
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME IS A PRECISE MEASUREMENT (like a ruler); TRUE TIME IS AN ABSOLUTE STANDARD (like true north).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating as 'правдивое время' (implies truthful). Use 'точное время' or 'истинное время'.
- Do not confuse with 'real time' ('реальное время'), which often refers to live processing, not necessarily perfect accuracy.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'true time' when 'real-time' (live, concurrent) is meant.
- Omitting the article: 'It is measured in true time' (correct) vs. 'It is measured in a true time' (incorrect).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'true time' LEAST likely to be used correctly?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'True time' refers to accurate, standardised time measurement. 'Real time' refers to live processing or immediate response, without a delay.
It's rare and sounds formal or technical. In everyday contexts, people say 'the right time', 'the exact time', or simply 'the time'.
Atomic clocks, which define international time standards like Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), are the primary source of 'true time'.
The concept itself is zone-agnostic; it's an absolute measure. It is often expressed in relation to a standard like UTC, which is then converted to local time zones.