Falsification: meaning, definitions and examples

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falsification

 

[ ˌfɒlsɪfɪˈkeɪʃən ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

scientific research

The act of presenting false information as if it were true, especially in the context of research or data analysis. Falsification is considered a serious breach of ethics in the scientific community and can have severe consequences.

Synonyms

deception, fabrication, fraud

Examples of usage

  • His falsification of the data led to the retraction of the entire study.
  • Falsification of results can damage the credibility of the entire research field.
Context #2 | Noun

philosophy

In philosophy, falsification refers to the process of testing a hypothesis by attempting to prove it false. This concept, introduced by Karl Popper, is essential in the scientific method as it allows theories to be challenged and refined.

Synonyms

disproof, refutation

Examples of usage

  • The principle of falsification is central to the philosophy of science.
  • Scientists use falsification to distinguish between valid and invalid hypotheses.

Translations

Translations of the word "falsification" in other languages:

🇵🇹 falsificação

🇮🇳 कपटाचार

🇩🇪 Fälschung

🇮🇩 pemalsuan

🇺🇦 фальсифікація

🇵🇱 fałszerstwo

🇯🇵 偽造 (ぎぞう)

🇫🇷 falsification

🇪🇸 falsificación

🇹🇷 sahtecilik

🇰🇷 위조

🇸🇦 تزوير

🇨🇿 falšování

🇸🇰 falšovanie

🇨🇳 伪造 (wěizào)

🇸🇮 ponarejanje

🇮🇸 fölsun

🇰🇿 жалғандық

🇬🇪 ყალბება

🇦🇿 saxtakarlıq

🇲🇽 falsificación

Etymology

The word 'falsification' originated from the Latin word 'falsus' meaning 'false' and the suffix '-ation' which denotes an action or process. The term gained prominence in the 20th century with the development of Karl Popper's philosophy of science. Popper emphasized the importance of falsifiability in distinguishing scientific theories from pseudoscience. Today, falsification is a key concept in scientific research and philosophy, guiding the critical evaluation of hypotheses and theories.

See also: falsehood, falsehoods, falsely, falseness, falsity.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,013, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.