—adj.
1 not according with fact; wrong, incorrect (a false idea).
2 a spurious, sham, artificial (false gods; false teeth; false modesty). b acting as such; appearing to be such, esp. deceptively (a false lining).
3 illusory; not actually so (a false economy).
4 improperly so called (false acacia).
5 deceptive.
6 (foll. by to) deceitful, treacherous, or unfaithful.
7 illegal (false imprisonment).
—adv. in a false manner (esp. play false).
Phrases and idioms:
false acacia see ACACIA. false alarm an alarm given needlessly. false bedding Geol. = CROSS-BEDDING. false colours deceitful pretence. false dawn a transient light in the east before dawn. false gharial see GHARIAL. false pretences misrepresentations made with intent to deceive (esp. under false pretences). false rib = floating rib. false start
1 an invalid or disallowed start in a race.
2 an unsuccessful attempt to begin something. false step a slip; a mistake. false topaz = CITRINE.
Derivatives:
falsely adv. falseness n. falsity n. (pl. -ies).
Etymology: OE fals and OF fals, faus f. L falsus past part. of fallere deceive
Useful english dictionary. 2012.