A half-truth is a statement that includes some element of truth but is intended to deceive by only telling part of the truth or by presenting information in a misleading way. It may be partly true or even totally true in parts, but it does not represent the whole truth and often leads to false conclusions or misrepresentations. The intent behind a half-truth is usually to mislead, evade blame, or manipulate perception by making something appear true or more credible than it actually is

. For example, a half-truth might involve using true facts selectively or out of context to create a deceptive impression, such as a political statement that mixes true and false information to influence belief

. It is often used in politics, advertising, or everyday communication where full disclosure is avoided to shape opinions or avoid accountability

. In summary, a half-truth is not simply a partial truth but a statement designed to deceive by omitting or distorting relevant facts, thus failing to convey the complete truth