English Vocabulary

false friend

météore

User since 2011
Posts: 1

21 Dec. 2011

I don't understand that expression "false". Is there somedy who can help me?

4 comments

AhQ ['a: kiu]
User since 2006
Posts: 2715
22 Dec. 2011

False is most often an adjective that means, according to the context "untrue" (a false report), "deceptive" (a false testimony), an incorrect piece (a false note in music), non genuine (false teeth), etc.

Here linked with friend, it means something that sort of is inclined to lead to a mistake.

A false friend (un faux ami) is an idiomatic expression to call a word of expression which looks the same in two different languages but with a different meaning.
Ex/ 'a prejudice' in English is most often 'un préjugé' while 'le préjudice' in French is a harm, a damage in English.
False is most often an adjective that means, according to the context "untrue" (a false report), "deceptive" (a false testimony), an incorrect piece (a false note in music), non genuine (false teeth), etc. Here linked with friend, it means something that sort of is inclined to lead to a mistake. A false friend (un faux ami) is an idiomatic expression to call a word of expression which looks the same in two different languages but with a different meaning. Ex/ 'a prejudice' in English is most often 'un préjugé' while 'le préjudice' in French is a harm, a damage in English.
AhQ ['a: kiu]
User since 2006
Posts: 2715
22 Dec. 2011

Correction : ... a word OR expression...
Correction : ... a word OR expression...
Gwendy
User since 2008
Posts: 253
28 Dec. 2011

in the mood of love : a false lover is unfaithful, is not he ?
in the mood of love : a false lover is unfaithful, is not he ?
Spoiler
User since 2008
Posts: 499
29 Dec. 2011

..is he not?

But what's the complaint? As long as the illusion is perfect? Who cares?
..is he not? But what's the complaint? As long as the illusion is perfect? Who cares?

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