false
/fɔːls/- 1.
Not true; wrong; not based on facts. Use this when a statement, belief, or answer does not match reality.
- That report has false information.
- Her claim proved false.
- I gave the false answer by mistake.
- 2.
Made to look real, but not genuine. This is used for things like fake names, false teeth, or false money.
- He used a false name.
- The museum showed false teeth from the 1800s.
- Police found false documents.
- 3.
Unkind or dishonest in a hidden way. A false friend or false smile does not show true feelings.
- He gave me a false smile.
- She was hurt by his false promises.
- I do not trust false friends.
A false statement or idea. This use is less common in modern English and often appears in formal writing.
- He told several falsees during the interview.
- The article was full of falsees.
- We should correct the false.
Adinary Nuance
False is broader than wrong. It usually means something is not true, not genuine, or not honest. Compared with fake, false is often more formal and can describe ideas, words, smiles, or promises. Compared with untrue, false can sound stronger or more official.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- sai
- Spanish
- falso
- Chinese
- 假的
- Japanese
- 偽の
- Korean
- 거짓의
Etymology
False comes from Old French false, from Latin falsus, meaning 'deceived' or 'not true'. It has been used in English since the Middle Ages.
Common phrases
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is false more formal than fake?
- Yes, often. False is common in writing and formal speech, while fake is more everyday.
- What is the difference between false and wrong?
- Wrong means not correct. False often means not true, not genuine, or dishonest.
- Can false describe a person?
- Yes, but usually in phrases like false friend or false smile, not alone.
- Is false used in IELTS writing?
- Yes. It is useful in academic and formal writing for facts, claims, and statements.