What does "false" mean?
One of two options on a true-or-false test, that not representing true.
False
/fɔːls/ adj, adv, noun, verb
adj, adv, noun, verb ·Very common ·Middle school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: One of two options on a true-or-false test, that not representing true.
- Grammar: false is listed as adj, adv, noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: fake, untrue, aberrant, abroad.
- Useful contrasts: accurate, accurate estimation skill, accurate throw.
- Usage evidence: The witnesses were able to refute the false testimony of the suspect.
How to use "false"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "false" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "false" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "false" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "false" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "false" is acting as adj, adv, noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "fake" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "false", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 One of two options on a true-or-false test, that not representing true.
"The student received a failing grade for circling every true and false on her quiz."
Verb
- 1 To incorrectly decode noise as if it were a valid signal.
- 2 To begin a race before being instructed to do so; to do a false start.
"Records have been broken, races have been dedicated, dreams have been dreamed, starts have been falsed and nouns have been verbed."
- 3 To violate, to betray (a promise, an agreement, one’s faith, etc.). obsolete
"And he that could with giftes and promiſes, Inueigle him that lead a thouſand horſe, And make him falſe his faith vnto his King, Will quickly win ſuch as be like himſelfe."
- 4 To counterfeit, to forge. obsolete
- 5 To make false, to corrupt from something true or real. obsolete
Adjective
- 1 Untrue, not factual, factually incorrect.
"Also the rule of false position, with dyuers examples not onely vulgar, but some appertaynyng to the rule of Algeber."
- 2 one of two states of a Boolean variable; logic 0. not-comparable
- 3 Based on factually incorrect premises.
"false legislation, false punishment"
- 4 Spurious, artificial.
"false teeth"
- 5 Of a state in Boolean logic that indicates a negative result.
Show 6 more definitions
- 6 Uttering falsehood; dishonest or deceitful.
"a false witness"
- 7 Not faithful or loyal, as to obligations, allegiance, vows, etc.; untrue; treacherous.
"a false friend, lover, or subject; false to promises"
- 8 Not well founded; not firm or trustworthy; erroneous.
"a false conclusion; a false construction in grammar"
- 9 Not essential or permanent, as parts of a structure which are temporary or supplemental.
- 10 Used in the vernacular name of a species (or group of species) together with the name of another species to which it is similar in appearance.
"false scorpion (an arachnid)"
- 11 Out of tune.
Adjective
- 1 (used especially of persons) not dependable in devotion or affection; unfaithful wordnet
- 2 arising from error wordnet
- 3 adopted in order to deceive wordnet
- 4 inaccurate in pitch wordnet
- 5 designed to deceive wordnet
Show 5 more definitions
- 6 not genuine or real; being an imitation of the genuine article wordnet
- 7 inappropriate to reality or facts wordnet
- 8 deliberately deceptive wordnet
- 9 not in accordance with the fact or reality or actuality wordnet
- 10 erroneous and usually accidental wordnet
Adverb
- 1 In a dishonest and disloyal way; falsely.
"Sweet Lord, you play me falſe."
Adverb
- 1 in a disloyal and faithless manner wordnet
Antonyms
Example
"The witnesses were able to refute the false testimony of the suspect."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "false"?
Common synonyms include: fake, untrue, aberrant, abroad, adrift, affected.
How do you use "false" in a sentence?
The witnesses were able to refute the false testimony of the suspect.
How do you pronounce "false"?
Pronounced /fɔːls/.
Etymology
From Middle English false, fals, from Old English fals (“false; counterfeit; fraudulent; wrong; mistaken”), from Latin falsus (“counterfeit, false; falsehood”), perfect passive participle of fallō (“deceive”). Reinforced in Middle English by Anglo-Norman and Old French fals, faus. Compare Scots fals, false, Saterland Frisian falsk, German falsch, Dutch vals, Swedish and Danish falsk; all from Latin falsus. Displaced native Middle English les, lese, from Old English lēas (“false”); See lease, leasing. Doublet of faux. The verb is from Middle English falsen, falsien, from Old French falser, from Latin falsō (“falsify”), itself also from falsus; compare French fausser (“to falsify, to distort”).