False
/fɔːls/
Definitions
3 meaningsNot in accordance with the truth or facts; incorrect.
/fɔːls/
Not true or correct; erroneous.
The witness gave a false account of the events.
💡 Simply: Imagine you said the sky was green, but it's actually blue. That would be a false statement. It's when something isn't true.
👶 For kids: Something that's not true is false! Like if I said a dog can fly, that would be false.
More Examples
The accusation was based on false information.
He made a false assumption about her intentions.
The rumors circulating were completely false.
How It's Used
"The statement was proven to be false."
"Giving false testimony is a crime."
Made to look real or genuine; artificial; imitation.
/fɔːls/
Not genuine; artificial or imitation.
She wore a false mustache to the costume party.
💡 Simply: Like when someone uses fake eyelashes to make their eyes look bigger, or has a false bottom in their suitcase to hide something.
👶 For kids: Not real! Like a fake toy or a fake smile.
More Examples
The painting was revealed to be a false Rembrandt.
The company sold false teeth to the customer.
The magician used a false bottom to hide the rabbit.
How It's Used
"She wore a false eyelashes for the party."
"A false bottom in the suitcase helped to smuggle the items."
In a manner that is untrue; deceptively.
/fɔːls/
In a deceitful or disloyal way.
He acted false to his supposed friends.
💡 Simply: Imagine someone pretending to be your friend, but then doing something mean. They're acting 'false' towards you.
👶 For kids: When you're not really being honest or kind. Pretending to be nice when you aren't.
More Examples
She spoke false when she swore her loyalty to her husband.
He pretended to be someone else, speaking false throughout their interactions.
They worked together to appear false, while in reality they were enemies.
How It's Used
"He spoke false to deceive her."
Synonyms
Counterfeit
Deceptive
Erroneous
Fabricated
Artificial
Bogus
Fake
Idioms & expressions
false alarm
An alert or warning that turns out to be unfounded or unnecessary.
"The fire alarm was a false alarm; there was no fire."
false friend
A person who pretends to be a friend but is disloyal or untrustworthy.
"She realized he was a false friend when he betrayed her trust."
false pretenses
A false or misleading appearance or claim.
"He obtained money under false pretenses."
From Middle English fals, from Old French fals, faus, from Latin falsus ('deceived, feigned, untrue'), the past participle of fallere ('to deceive').
The word 'false' has been used in English since the early Middle Ages and is a common element in legal and moral discussions.
Memory tip
Think of a lie that isn't true.