False-friend definition
A word or phrase in one language that is similar in appearance to a word or phrase in another language but has a different meaning, as French actuel, “current,” and English actual, “real.”
noun
Attributive form of false friend, noun.
The false-friend status of the phrase was lost on him.
adjective
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Other Word Forms
Noun
Singular:
false-friend
Plural:
false-friendsOrigin of false-friend
- Translation of French faux ami faux false ami friend
From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition