false

¹false

adj \ˈfȯls\

fals·erfals·est

Definition of FALSE

1

: not genuine <false documents> <false teeth>

2

a : intentionally untrue <false testimony> b : adjusted or made so as to deceive <false scales> <a trunk with a false bottom> c : intended or tending to mislead <a false promise>

3

: not true <false concepts>

4

a : not faithful or loyal : treacherous <a false friend> b : lacking naturalness or sincerity <false sympathy>

5

a : not essential or permanent —used of parts of a structure that are temporary or supplemental b : fitting over a main part to strengthen it, to protect it, or to disguise its appearance <a false ceiling>

6

: inaccurate in pitch <a false note>

7

a : based on mistaken ideas <false pride> b : inconsistent with the facts <a false position> <a false sense of security>

8

: threateningly sudden or deceptive <don't make any false moves>

— false·ly adverb

— false·ness noun

Examples of FALSE

1. Indicate whether each of the following statements is true or false.
2. He registered at the hotel under a false name.

Origin of FALSE

Middle English fals, faus, from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French, from Latin falsus, from past participle of fallere to deceive

First Known Use: 12th century

Related to FALSE

Synonyms: erroneous, inaccurate, incorrect, inexact, invalid, off, unsound, untrue, untruthful, wrong, off base

Antonyms: accurate, correct, errorless, exact, factual, precise, proper, right, sound, true, valid, veracious

Related Words: counterfactual; specious, spurious; deceptive, delusive, delusory, distorted, fallacious, fictitious, illusory, misleading; amiss, askew, awry; deceitful, dishonest, fraudulent, lying, mendacious; unconfirmed, unproven, untested; fabricated, invented, made-up, trumped-up

Near Antonyms: confirmed, demonstrated, established, proven, tested; faultless, flawless, impeccable, letter-perfect, perfect

see all synonyms and antonyms

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See Synonym Discussion at faithless

Rhymes with FALSE

waltz