formal truth

[ˈfɔːrməl ˈtruːθ]
nounpl: formal truths
verdade formal
1. A statement or proposition that is logically valid or structurally correct according to the rules of formal logic, regardless of its actual correspondence to reality or empirical facts
In formal logic, 'All unicorns are white' is a formal truth if it follows the rules of logical inference, even though unicorns do not exist.
Na lógica formal, 'Todos os unicórnios são brancos' é uma verdade formal se segue as regras da inferência lógica, mesmo que unicórnios não existam.
2. A truth that is valid within a particular formal system, mathematical framework, or logical structure based on axioms and rules, rather than empirical observation
Mathematical theorems represent formal truths derived from axioms within the formal system of mathematics.
Teoremas matemáticos representam verdades formais derivadas de axiomas dentro do sistema formal da matemática.
The concept of 'formal truth' is predominantly used in academic and philosophical discourse in both English and Portuguese-speaking countries. It reflects the distinction between theoretical correctness and real-world applicability, which is particularly important in mathematics, logic, and philosophy curricula at universities in Brazil, Portugal, the USA, and the UK.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
logical truthanalytic truthtautologyformal validity
Antonyms / Antônimos
material truthempirical truthcontingent truthfalsehood

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
verdade formal
Standard term used in academic and philosophical contexts
Portugal
verdade formal
Same usage as Brazilian Portuguese; common in logic and philosophy disciplines
Academic English (USA/UK)
formal truth
Primarily used in philosophy, logic, and mathematics departments

Related Words

formal logicaxiomlogical inferencepropositionvaliditysemantics

Related Idioms & Phrases

a truth on paper
technically true
logically sound but practically false
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