Untrue vs. False — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 3, 2024
Untrue refers broadly to anything not corresponding to fact or reality, while false specifically implies an intention to deceive.
Difference Between Untrue and False
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Untrue encompasses any statement or belief that is not consistent with the facts, regardless of intent to deceive, while false often suggests a deliberate fabrication or distortion of the truth.
While untrue might apply to a mistake or a misunderstanding without any ill intent, false is frequently used in contexts where lies and deceit are implied, such as false testimony.
Untrue is often used in a broader sense that includes errors, myths, or misconceptions, whereas false is more commonly associated with intentional falsehoods, particularly in legal, technical, or formal contexts.
In everyday language, untrue is typically softer, possibly indicating a benign error; on the other hand, false could indicate a more serious accusation, especially when it concerns ethics or legality.
While both terms are used to describe inaccuracies, the choice between untrue and false can also reflect the speaker's perspective on the nature and seriousness of the misinformation.
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Comparison Chart
Intent
Not necessarily intended to deceive
Implies an intention to deceive
Usage Context
General inaccuracies, errors
Lies, legal statements, technical incorrectness
Connotation
Broad, can be neutral
Strongly negative, often legal or ethical
Typical Applications
Beliefs, stories, broad statements
Testimony, data, formal claims
Associated with
Mistakes, misconceptions
Deliberate deception, fraud
Compare with Definitions
Untrue
Contrary to the actual situation.
The portrayal in the movie was largely untrue to the historical facts.
False
Not true, with an implication of deceit.
They were accused of spreading false information.
Untrue
Incorrect or erroneous.
His answer was untrue, though he believed it was right.
False
Intentionally dishonest.
The witness gave a false statement to protect his friend.
Untrue
Misleading but not necessarily intentionally so.
Untrue myths can persist in cultures for centuries.
False
Designed to deceive.
False advertising often leads to consumer complaints.
Untrue
Not in accordance with reality.
The rumor about the merger was entirely untrue.
False
Artificial or imitation.
She wore false eyelashes to the party.
Untrue
Based on a misunderstanding.
Her conclusion was untrue due to incorrect information.
False
Legally incorrect or invalid.
The accusations were found to be false in court.
Untrue
Not in accordance with fact or reality; false or incorrect
These suggestions are totally untrue
A malicious and untrue story
False
Contrary to fact or truth
False tales of bravery.
Untrue
Not faithful or loyal
A despotic sheik can be untrue to his vast seraglio
False
Deliberately untrue
Delivered false testimony under oath.
Untrue
Incorrectly positioned or balanced; not upright or level.
False
Arising from mistaken ideas
False hopes of writing a successful novel.
Untrue
Contrary to fact; false.
False
Intentionally deceptive
A suitcase with a false bottom.
False promises.
Untrue
Deviating from a standard; not straight, even, level, or exact.
False
Not keeping faith; treacherous
A false friend.
Untrue
Disloyal; unfaithful.
False
Not genuine or real
False teeth.
False documents.
Untrue
False; not true.
She says that I stole her necklace, but that's completely untrue.
False
Erected temporarily, as for support during construction.
Untrue
Not faithful or loyal.
False
Resembling but not accurately or properly designated as such
A false thaw in January.
The false dawn peculiar to the tropics.
Untrue
Not true; false; contrary to the fact; as, the story is untrue.
False
(Music) Of incorrect pitch.
Untrue
Not faithful; inconstant; false; disloyal.
False
Unwise; imprudent
Don't make a false move or I'll shoot.
Untrue
Untruly.
False
(Computers) Indicating one of two possible values taken by a variable in Boolean logic or a binary device.
Untrue
Not according with the facts;
Unfortunately the statement was simply untrue
The facts as reported were wrong
False
In a treacherous or faithless manner
Play a person false.
Untrue
Not true to an obligation or trust;
Is untrue to his highest opportunity and duty
False
Untrue, not factual, factually incorrect.
Untrue
Not accurately fitted; not level;
The frame was out of true
Off-level floors and untrue doors and windows
False
Based on factually incorrect premises.
False legislation, false punishment
Untrue
(used especially of persons) not dependable in devotion or affection; unfaithful;
A false friend
When lovers prove untrue
False
Spurious, artificial.
False teeth
False
(logic) Of a state in Boolean logic that indicates a negative result.}}
False
Uttering falsehood; dishonest or deceitful.
A false witness
False
Not faithful or loyal, as to obligations, allegiance, vows, etc.; untrue; treacherous.
A false friend, lover, or subject;
False to promises
False
Not well founded; not firm or trustworthy; erroneous.
A false conclusion;
A false construction in grammar
False
Not essential or permanent, as parts of a structure which are temporary or supplemental.
False
Used in the vernacular name of a species (or group of species) together with the name of another species to which it is similar in appearance.
False scorpion (an arachnid)
False killer whale (a dolphin)
False
(music) Out of tune.
False
To incorrectly decode noise as if it were a valid signal.
False
(obsolete) To violate, to betray (a promise, an agreement, one’s faith, etc.).
False
(obsolete) To counterfeit, to forge.
False
(obsolete) To make false, to corrupt from something true or real.
False
In a dishonest and disloyal way; falsely.
False
One of two options on a true-or-false test.
The student received a failing grade for circling every true and false on her quiz.
False
Uttering falsehood; unveracious; given to deceit; dishnest; as, a false witness.
False
Not faithful or loyal, as to obligations, allegiance, vows, etc.; untrue; treacherous; perfidious; as, a false friend, lover, or subject; false to promises.
I to myself was false, ere thou to me.
False
Not according with truth or reality; not true; fitted or likely to deceive or disappoint; as, a false statement.
False
Not genuine or real; assumed or designed to deceive; counterfeit; hypocritical; as, false tears; false modesty; false colors; false jewelry.
False face must hide what the false heart doth know.
False
Not well founded; not firm or trustworthy; erroneous; as, a false claim; a false conclusion; a false construction in grammar.
Whose false foundation waves have swept away.
False
Not essential or permanent, as parts of a structure which are temporary or supplemental.
False
Not in tune.
False
Not truly; not honestly; falsely.
False
To report falsely; to falsify.
False
To betray; to falsify.
[He] hath his truthe falsed in this wise.
False
To mislead by want of truth; to deceive.
In his falsed fancy.
False
To feign; to pretend to make.
False
Not in accordance with the fact or reality or actuality;
Gave false testimony under oath
False tales of bravery
False
Arising from error;
A false assumption
A mistaken view of the situation
False
Erroneous and usually accidental;
A false start
A false alarm
False
Deliberately deceptive;
Hollow (or false) promises
False pretenses
False
Inappropriate to reality or facts;
Delusive faith in a wonder drug
Delusive expectations
False hopes
False
Not genuine or real; being an imitation of the genuine article;
It isn't fake anything; it's real synthetic fur
Faux pearls
False teeth
Decorated with imitation palm leaves
A purse of simulated alligator hide
False
Designed to deceive;
A suitcase with a false bottom
False
Inaccurate in pitch;
A false (or sour) note
Her singing was off key
False
Adopted in order to deceive;
An assumed name
An assumed cheerfulness
A fictitious address
Fictive sympathy
A pretended interest
A put-on childish voice
Sham modesty
False
(used especially of persons) not dependable in devotion or affection; unfaithful;
A false friend
When lovers prove untrue
False
In a disloyal and faithless manner;
He behaved treacherously
His wife played him false
Common Curiosities
What is an example of a false idea?
An idea that someone propagates knowing it is incorrect, such as a hoax, is a false idea.
Can a false statement be made accidentally?
Typically, false statements imply an intention to deceive, so accidental misinformation is better described as untrue.
Are all untrue statements considered false?
Not all untrue statements are considered false because false implies an intention to deceive which may not always be present in untrue statements.
What does it mean when information is untrue?
Information is considered untrue when it does not align with factual reality, whether accidentally or intentionally.
How does the law treat false statements?
Legally, false statements, especially when made under oath, can lead to penalties such as fines or imprisonment.
Is an untrue statement always a lie?
No, an untrue statement isn't always a lie; it could be a result of a mistake or misconception rather than an attempt to deceive.
Does false always involve bad intentions?
False often involves bad intentions, especially in contexts where deception is implied, but it can also describe something that is simply wrong or inaccurate in more neutral contexts.
Can a belief be false?
A belief can be considered false if it is based on incorrect understandings or deliberate misinformation.
What makes an untrue statement different from a false one in everyday conversation?
In everyday conversation, an untrue statement might simply be incorrect, while a false statement often carries a stronger implication of intentional deceit.
What legal consequences can arise from making false statements?
Legal consequences for making false statements can include charges of perjury, fraud, or defamation, depending on the nature of the statement and its impact.
What’s the difference between an untrue story and a fictional story?
An untrue story is presented as fact but is incorrect, whereas a fictional story is understood to be a creative or imaginative work, not meant to be taken as factual.
Can a fact be false?
No, a fact cannot be false. If something is proven to be false, it is not a fact but rather misinformation or a false statement.
How do you handle false accusations in the workplace?
Handling false accusations in the workplace involves investigating the claims thoroughly, ensuring fairness in the process, and taking appropriate actions based on verified information.
Are false documents always illegal?
False documents are typically considered illegal, especially if they are used with the intent to deceive, such as forged identification or falsified financial records.
What role does intent play in determining if something is false or untrue?
Intent is crucial; false usually involves intent to deceive, whereas untrue can occur without any deceptive intent.
How do false rumors spread?
False rumors spread through misinformation, lack of fact-checking, and often through social media or word of mouth, especially when the information is sensational.
Can a joke be considered false?
A joke can involve false information but is usually understood to be non-serious; however, if it misleads people about real facts, it could be considered false.
How do you correct someone who makes an untrue statement?
Correcting an untrue statement typically involves providing the correct information and clarifying where the misunderstanding or error occurred.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
