Falsity: meaning, definitions and examples
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falsity
[ˈfɔːlsɪti ]
Definitions
in philosophy
The quality of being false or incorrect; the state of being untrue.
Synonyms
falsehood, incorrectness, untruth.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| falsity |
Used in formal or academic settings to describe the state of being false.
|
| untruth |
Often used in casual or literary contexts to describe something that is not true, with a slight implication of deceit.
|
| falsehood |
Often used to indicate a deliberate lie or something that is not true, particularly in moral contexts.
|
| incorrectness |
Used to describe something that is not correct or accurate, often in contexts where correctness is important, such as science or formal assessments.
|
Examples of usage
- The argument was based on a fundamental falsity in the premises.
- The falsity of his claims was quickly exposed by the fact-checkers.
in law
The telling of lies or false statements in a legal context.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| falsity |
Use 'falsity' when referring to the quality or condition of being false or not genuine. It is often used in a formal or academic context.
|
| perjury |
Use 'perjury' specifically in a legal context to describe the act of lying or making false statements under oath. It is a serious crime.
|
| deceit |
Use 'deceit' when discussing the act of misleading or tricking someone. It often implies intent to deceive and carries a negative connotation.
|
| dishonesty |
Use 'dishonesty' to describe a lack of truthfulness or integrity. It is often used to refer to personal behavior or character.
|
Examples of usage
- The lawsuit was dismissed after it was proven that the plaintiff had committed falsity.
- The defendant's attorney accused the witness of committing falsity during the trial.
general use
The quality of not conforming with the truth or fact; lack of accuracy.
Synonyms
fabrication, inaccuracy, misrepresentation.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| falsity |
Use when referring to the quality of being untruthful or incorrect. It's a formal term often used in discussions about truthfulness or integrity.
|
| inaccuracy |
Use when referring to a lack of correctness or precision. It's commonly used in contexts involving data, measurements, or information.
|
| misrepresentation |
Use when talking about presenting something in a way that is misleading or not true. This term often carries a negative connotation and is frequently used in legal and business settings.
|
| fabrication |
Use when talking about something that has been invented or concocted, often with the intent to deceive. This term can have a negative connotation.
|
Examples of usage
- The article was full of falsities and misleading information.
- Don't believe everything you read online; there are often falsities presented as facts.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word comes from the Latin 'falsitas', which means 'a falsehood', derived from 'falsus', meaning 'deceived' or 'mistaken'.
- In English, the use of 'falsity' dates back to the 15th century, emphasizing the importance of truth versus lies.
Philosophy
- Philosophers often debate the concept of falsity in relation to truth, leading to discussions about what can truly be known.
- In some philosophical contexts, a statement's falsity may be just as important as its truth when defining reality.
Science
- In scientific contexts, falsity can play a crucial role in the scientific method; a hypothesis that can be proven false helps in finding the truth.
- The principle of falsifiability, proposed by philosopher Karl Popper, suggests that for a theory to be scientific, it must be able to be tested and potentially disproven.
Literature
- Many literary works explore themes of deception and falsehood, such as Mark Twain's characters who often navigate lies and secrets.
- In Shakespeare’s plays, characters frequently struggle with appearances versus reality, showcasing the tension between truth and falsity.
Psychology
- Cognitive dissonance can occur when a person believes in something that is false, leading to stress and mental discomfort.
- Understanding why people lie is a key area of study in psychology, revealing insights into human behavior and social interactions.
Translations
Translations of the word "falsity" in other languages:
🇵🇹 falsidade
🇮🇳 असत्यता
🇩🇪 Falschheit
🇮🇩 kepalsuan
🇺🇦 неправдивість
🇵🇱 fałsz
🇯🇵 虚偽 (きょぎ)
🇫🇷 fausseté
🇪🇸 falsedad
🇹🇷 sahtecilik
🇰🇷 거짓
🇸🇦 زيف
🇨🇿 falešnost
🇸🇰 falošnosť
🇨🇳 虚假 (xūjiǎ)
🇸🇮 lažnivost
🇮🇸 falsleiki
🇰🇿 жалғандық
🇬🇪 ცრუობა
🇦🇿 yalançılıq
🇲🇽 falsedad