false

¹false

adjective \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 Synonym Discussion at faithless

Rhymes with FALSE

waltz

²false

adverb

Definition of FALSE

: in a false or faithless manner : treacherously <his friends played him false>

First Known Use of FALSE

13th century

false

adjective \ˈfȯls\   (Medical Dictionary)

fals·er; fals·est

Medical Definition of FALSE

1

: not corresponding to truth or reality <a test for HIV which gave false results>

2

: artificially made <false teeth>

3

: of a kind related to or resembling another kind that is usually designated by the unqualified vernacular <false oats>

—false·ly adverb

—false·ness noun