falsehood

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "falsehood" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use this word when you need to describe a statement or idea that is false, untrue, or dishonest. For example: "The politician's claims of his innocence were exposed as a falsehood."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Yet all day long they had allowed the falsehood to be tweeted and written about that Miranda was detained without being offered a lawyer.Pretty shocking.

The Guardian

"My love for fellow disabled people and all of us under the jackboot of austerity is so strong I won't tolerate falsehood or defamation of our community," says one.

The Guardian

Equally important, is the value of freedom of speech", so truth could prevail over falsehood.

The Guardian

In the past six months no fewer than four different outlets have revived the outrageous falsehood that it was the Nazis, not the Soviets, who murdered 20,000 captured Polish officers at Katyn in 1940.

The Economist

Its author claims to prove not only the falsehood of Charles Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection, but the links between "Darwinism" and such diverse evils as communism, fascism and terrorism.

The Economist

But it is also a work of crude propaganda, a mix of selective truths, exaggeration and falsehood, caricature and conspiracy theory.

The Economist

But there is a better, third, reason why standards at the Journal would be very unlikely to fall in Mr Murdoch's care: it is in his interest to keep them high.It does not matter terribly to readers if the gossip about celebrities is true or exaggerated indeed, when it comes to titillation, there is much to be said for falsehood.

The Economist

Under him Russia has again become a place in which truth and falsehood are no longer distinct and facts are put into the service of the government.

The Economist

If attempts to counter disinformation are to get anywhere, they must demonstrate the falsehood of the most brazen Russian proposition of all: that there is no truth in reporting, just a postmodern potpourri of perspectives.Countering propaganda, not counter-propagandaEuropean officials insist they are not engaging Russia in a propaganda war.

The Economist

In the age of weibo, it may be that the wisps of truth prove more problematic for authorities than the clouds of falsehood.

The Economist

The penalties for falsehood were simple, as well: a delisting, perhaps, or loss of reputation.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "falsehood" when you want to emphasize the state of being untrue, especially in formal contexts or when discussing abstract concepts related to truth and deception.

Common error

Avoid labeling subjective beliefs or opinions as "falsehoods". A "falsehood" is a statement that can be proven factually incorrect, not simply a differing viewpoint.

Linguistic Context

The word "falsehood" functions primarily as a noun, referring to the state of being untrue or a specific false statement. Ludwig AI confirms this, with examples showcasing its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "falsehood" is a noun that signifies the state of being untrue or a false statement, often used in formal contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical usage, with numerous examples available. It appears frequently in News & Media and Science sources, suggesting a neutral to formal register. When writing, it's crucial to distinguish "falsehood" from subjective opinions and to consider synonyms like "untruth" or "lie", depending on the intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

untruth

This term is a direct synonym, simply emphasizing the lack of truth.

lie

This word implies a deliberate intention to deceive.

fabrication

This suggests something has been invented or constructed, often with deceptive intent.

deception

This term focuses on the act of misleading someone.

falsity

This refers to the state of being false, a more formal synonym.

mendacity

This highlights the quality of being untruthful or deceitful.

misinformation

This suggests unintentionally false or inaccurate information.

perversion of truth

This phrase emphasizes the twisting or distorting of the truth.

inaccuracy

This indicates a lack of precision or correctness.

erroneous statement

This refers to a statement containing an error or mistake.

FAQs

How is "falsehood" typically used in a sentence?

The word "falsehood" is used to refer to a false statement or the state of being untrue. For example, "His claims were exposed as a deliberate falsehood."

What are some synonyms for "falsehood"?

Synonyms for "falsehood" include "untruth", "lie", "fabrication", and "deception". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "falsehood" and "lie"?

While both words refer to something untrue, "lie" implies an intention to deceive, while "falsehood" can simply refer to an untrue statement, regardless of intent. A "falsehood" may be unintentional.

When is it appropriate to use "falsehood" over other similar words?

"Falsehood" is often preferred in more formal or academic contexts, or when the focus is on the quality of being untrue rather than the act of deception itself. It's also useful when you want to avoid assigning blame or intent.