noun
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the state of being false or untrue
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something false; a lie or deception
Etymology
Origin of falsity
1225–75; Middle English falsete < Anglo-French < Late Latin falsitās. See false, -ity
Explanation
A falsity is either a straight-up lie or the fact that something isn’t true. If you fake cry to try and get out of trouble, the falsity of your emotions will get you busted. Falsity is a word for statements that are false in the sense of being incorrect, untrue, or even dishonest. If you tell a lie, you've told a falsity, which can also be called an untruth or falsehood. Also, falsity can mean the general state of falseness. Con men and other liars often operate in falsity. A spy must use falsity to fool people. The opposite of falsity — or falseness — is truth.
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.
Unless the Journal knew that its story was false, or proceeded with reckless disregard to its falsity, it’s not liable.
From Slate • Jul. 23, 2025
The way you couched the statement that wasn’t true would indicate the seriousness of its falsity.
From Salon • Oct. 8, 2024
All of that falsity fades away under the bright lights, which crave that sort of manicured behavior.
From New York Times • Jan. 5, 2024
“Libel can be boiled down to a false statement of fact that harms somebody’s reputation” – and is published with knowledge of that falsity and malice if the person is a public figure, Gaston-Falk added.
From Seattle Times • Jul. 28, 2023
Ultimately, at five minutes past three that afternoon, Smith admitted the falsity of the Fort Scott tale.
From "In Cold Blood" by Truman Capote
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.
