false dichotomy
Americannoun
Etymology
Origin of false dichotomy
First recorded in 1870–75
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Lucy Dacus, “Forever Is a Feeling” Sensual or cerebral is a false dichotomy.
From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 5, 2025
Perhaps if he spent more time studying and less time bashing students, he would know that this is what logicians call a false dichotomy.
From Salon ● Oct. 23, 2024
"Delhi's incredibly rich past has contributed to its evolution as a unique city. To pitch it against progress or development is a false dichotomy," says historian Sohail Hashmi.
From BBC ● Feb. 8, 2024
Despite how developers might want to frame it, it is a false dichotomy to suggest we can either have equitable tree distribution or affordable housing.
From Seattle Times ● Aug. 14, 2023
In a false dichotomy, someone incorrectly asserts that you have only one of two options.
From Scientific American ● Mar. 13, 2023
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
