falsehood

Everyday

1. (formal) A lie; something said that is not true. tree →
2. The state of being untrue: the truth or falsehood of a claim. tree →

In the lessons

In formal writing and old stories «falsehood» is a polite or stiff word for a lie; in lessons on truth and tricks children learn to tell truth from falsehood. Phrases: «tell a falsehood», «truth and falsehood», «spread falsehoods».

Examples

• He was punished for telling a falsehood. tree →
• The website was full of falsehoods. tree →
• We must learn to tell truth from falsehood. tree →
• Her story was a mix of truth and falsehood. tree →
• The judge asked the witness not to say any falsehood. tree →
• Spreading falsehoods about people is unkind. tree →
• Still he scorned to tell a falsehood. tree →

Note

Formal; in everyday speech say «lie». Opposite: truth. Related: false, falsify.

In Jewish tradition

In these texts it often means lying and also idolatry or false worship, anything that is not true to God.

Interpretation. Jewish tradition values truth very highly and sees falsehood as a great sin. The tradition says truth is God's seal.

Examples

• I hate and abhor falsehood; Thy law do I love. (Writings PSA.119.163, JPS 1917) tree →
• Are ye not children of transgression, a seed of falsehood, (Prophets ISA.57.4, JPS 1917) tree →
• Thou lovest evil more than good; falsehood rather than speaking righteousness. (Writings PSA.52.5, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Formal; in everyday speech say «lie». Opposite: truth. Related: false, falsify.