ring true

Seem genuinely believable

Ring true means to sound genuine, believable, or authentic.

The phrase comes from the practice of testing coins by their sound—real metal rings clearly when struck, while counterfeit coins sound dull.

Something that rings true feels honest or accurate: Her explanation didn't quite ring true.

The opposite is ring false or ring hollow.

authenticity

genuine

Truly what it claims

credibleWorthy of acceptance
believableAble to convince
sincereGenuinely felt, not feigned

honest · truthful · verifiable · valid · accurate · trustworthy · plausible · convincing · legitimate · sound

resonance

echo

Reflected sound wave

reverberateEcho repeatedly, persist
strike a chordTrigger emotional recognition
resonateVibrate or echo deeply

vibrate · tone · clarity · pitch · bell · chime · sound · peal · timbre · harmonize

discernment

recognize

Perceive as known

detectNotice or discover
sensePerception or judgment
perceiveBecome conscious of

intuit · discern · gut feeling · instinct · judgment · assessment · evaluation · scrutiny · verification · confirmation

Categories

authenticityauthentic, genuine, real, fake, counterfeit
resonate phrasesresonate, echo, hit home, touch, move
phrases about integritykeep your word, man of his word, straight shooter, above board, on the level

Opposites

authenticity and credibility

ring truering false

Appear unconvincing or dishonest

ring hollow · smell fishy · sound off · raise red flags

resonance with experience

ring truering false

Appear unconvincing or dishonest

strike a false note · beggar belief · fall flat · jar · miss the mark

Family

true, ring, ringing, rung, rang, ringed, ringer, ringlet, ringers

Familiarity: Top 50,000
Profile: Used worldwide · Timeless · Abstract · Positive · Everyday, not technical · Rated G