Falsely

'fɔːlsli

adverbmedium📊CommonGeneral
1 meaning1 idiom/phrase3 questions

Definitions

1

In a way that is not true; in a deceptive or misleading way.

'fɔːlsli

adverbnegativemedium
General

In a false or untrue manner

He was accused of falsely accusing his colleague.

💡 Simply: It's like when you tell a lie or pretend something is true when it isn't. For example, if you say you finished your homework, but you really didn't, you're acting falsely.

👶 For kids: When you do something that is not true.

More Examples

2

The advertisement falsely promised impossible results.

3

She claimed she was falsely accused of the crime.

How It's Used

Legal

"The witness testified falsely under oath."

General

"She was accused of falsely claiming to be a doctor."

Synonyms & Antonyms

Idioms & expressions

falsely accused

Wrongly charged or blamed for something.

"He was falsely accused of stealing the money."

From Middle English *falsli*, equivalent to false + -ly. 'False' comes from Old French 'fals' or 'faux', from Latin 'falsus' meaning 'deceived, untrue'.

The term 'falsely' has been used since the early 13th century, largely retaining its current meaning.

Memory tip

Think of the word 'false' and add 'ly' - it is doing something in a false manner.

Word Origin

LanguageLatin
Original meaning

"deceived, untrue"

falsely accusedfalsely claimedfalsely representedtestified falsely

Common misspellings

falsly

Usage

40%Spoken
60%Written