false friend

American  

[fawls frend] / ˈfɔls ˈfrɛnd /

noun

Linguistics.

1. a word in one language that is similar in form or sound to a word in another language but has a different meaning and may or may not be etymologically related: for example, English gift “present” and German Gift “poison” are false friends.

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false friend British  

noun

1. a word or expression in one language that, because it resembles one in another language, is often wrongly taken to have the same meaning, for example, the French agenda which means diary , not agenda

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Commonly Confused

See false cognate.

Etymology

Origin of false friend

First recorded in 1930–35; patterned after French faux ami in same sense

Example Sentences

The French word “propre” is an example of a false friend, “faux ami” in French, a word whose English translation appears obvious but for which the obvious choice is incorrect.

From Washington Post • Jan. 7, 2022

At times an unyielding ally, at times a false friend, concrete can resist nature for decades and then suddenly amplify its impact.

From The Guardian • Feb. 25, 2019

Every time vengeful or negative thoughts of her come into your mind, push them away and think, I’m grateful that this false friend is no longer in my life.

From New York Times • Aug. 28, 2018

A profile writer, especially in the company of another writer, is a false friend who dreams of being a secret sharer.

From New York Times • Jul. 30, 2015

Like a false friend, it became quite hollow when I put the fire of trial to it; and only waxed hot and oily as it burnt on.

From The International Monthly, Volume 4, No. 4, November 1, 1851 by Various