Veracidad

Veracidad is the quality of being true, accurate, and reliable. In everyday usage it denotes truthfulness in claims or statements, and in a broader sense the degree to which information corresponds to facts or reality. The concept also encompasses the obligation to tell the truth and to avoid deception, whether in personal conduct or public communication.

The term derives from Latin roots related to truth, with veracidad commonly linked to the Spanish word veraz, meaning truthful, and to the Latin verax. In English, veracity captures similar ideas and is closely related to the word truth, while distinguishing the reliability of a claim from the character of the speaker.

In philosophy and theory of knowledge, veracity is examined through theories of truth and justification. It concerns how we assess the factual accuracy of statements and the evidential support for beliefs. A key distinction is often made between the veracity of a claim (its fidelity to reality) and the honesty or integrity of the person making the claim.

In information and media practices, veracity has become a central concern in data quality, journalism, and science. Data veracity refers to the trustworthiness of data, including accuracy, provenance, and integrity, and it is challenged by errors, biases, and misinformation. Fact-checking, source verification, and transparent methodologies are used to uphold veracity in reporting and research.

In practical terms, veracity supports credibility, informs decision making, and underpins ethical standards across disciplines such as journalism, science, law, and governance. Related concepts include accuracy, truth, reliability, and credibility.