adj.
Pronunciation: ' fo ̇ ls
Function: adjective
Inflected Form: fals · er ; fals · est
Etymology: Middle English fals, faus, from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French, from Latin falsus, from past participle of fallere to deceive
Date: 12th century
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>
synonyms see FAITHLESS
– false · ly adverb
– false · ness noun