falsifying

Everyday

1. Changing something such as a document, record or result so that it is false and tricks people: falsifying the test scores. tree →
2. (science) Proving that an idea or theory is wrong. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life and news «falsifying records» is cheating and against the law; in science testing a hypothesis may falsify it, meaning the results show it is wrong. Phrases: «falsifying documents», «falsifying evidence», «falsifying results».

Examples

• He was caught falsifying his homework marks. tree →
• Falsifying a passport is a crime. tree →
• The company was fined for falsifying its accounts. tree →
• Scientists test ideas by trying to falsify them. tree →
• One white swan doesn't prove all swans are white, but one black swan falsifies it. tree →
• She admitted falsifying the report. tree →

Note

-ing form of «falsify» (y → ies in «falsifies», → ied in «falsified»). Noun: falsification. Formal word; in plain talk «faking» or «changing to cheat».

In Jewish tradition

It means cheating by making scales and measures dishonest.

Interpretation. The tradition teaches that honest weights and measures are a strict duty. Amos condemns merchants who cannot wait for the Sabbath to end so that they can cheat.

Examples

• Saying: 'When will the new moon be gone, that we may sell grain? and the sabbath, that we may set forth corn? making the ephah small, and the shekel great, and falsifying the balances of deceit; (Prophets AMO.8.5, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

-ing form of «falsify» (y → ies in «falsifies», → ied in «falsified»). Noun: falsification. Formal word; in plain talk «faking» or «changing to cheat».