play false

Variant of false

false definition

false (fôls)

adjective falser fals′er, falsest fals′·est

  1. not true; in error; incorrect; mistaken a false argument
  2. untruthful; lying; dishonest a false witness
  3. disloyal; unfaithful a false friend
  4. deceiving or meant to deceive; misleading a false scent
  5. not real; artificial; counterfeit false teeth
  6. not properly so named; deceptively resembling false jasmine
  7. based on wrong or mistaken ideas false pride
  8. Mech. temporary, nonessential, or added on for protection, disguise, etc. a false drawer
  9. Music pitched inaccurately

Etymology: ME < OFr < fals < L falsus, pp. of fallere, to deceive: see fail

adverb falser fals′er, falsest fals′·est

in a false manner

Related Forms:

false Idioms

play someone false

to deceive, cheat, hoodwink, or betray someone

put in a false position

to cause misunderstanding of the intentions, opinions, etc. of

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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