False vs. Fake: Difference and Comparison
Edited by Muazma Batool — By Muneeza Rehman — Published on September 27, 2023
False refers to something not true or correct; fake denotes something made to imitate or deceive.
Difference Between False and Fake
False primarily addresses the inaccuracy or untruthfulness of something. It's a term that can be applied to statements, beliefs, or even alarms. For instance, when one says a statement is false, they're referring to its lack of veracity. Conversely, fake leans more towards the realm of imitation or forgery. A fake product, for example, is a reproduction made to seem like the genuine article.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 27, 2023
In the world of art, the distinction becomes clearer. A painting may be based on a false premise or story, indicating the narrative behind it isn't genuine. However, if the painting itself is a duplicate of another work, designed to appear as the original, it's termed fake.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 27, 2023
Considering emotions, when someone exhibits a false smile, it means the smile isn't genuine, perhaps masking real feelings. Yet, if an object, like a theater mask, imitates a smile, that object can be described as a fake smile. This showcases how "false" can sometimes be about feeling or intent, while "fake" is about physical imitation.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 27, 2023
When talking about products, a distinction emerges too. A false claim about a product means the claim isn't true or accurate. But if the product itself is a replica or imitation of another, designed to deceive or appear as the original, it's termed a fake product.
Nolan
Sep 27, 2023
A false idea implies an understanding or belief that isn't aligned with reality. On the other hand, fake documents, such as counterfeit money, are physical items crafted to deceive by imitating real documents.
Olivia
Sep 27, 2023
False vs. Fake Comparison Chart
Relation to Reality
Addresses inaccuracy or untruthfulness
Deals with imitation or forgery
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Sep 27, 2023
In Relation to Products
About the truth of a claim
About the authenticity of the product
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Sep 27, 2023
False vs. Fake Definitions
◉False
Arising from mistaken ideas
false hopes of writing a successful novel.
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May 03, 2023
◉False
Intentionally deceptive
a suitcase with a false bottom.
false promises.
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May 03, 2023
◉Fake
(Sports) A brief feint or aborted change of direction intended to mislead one's opponent or the opposing team.
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May 03, 2023
◉Fake
To simulate; feign
faked his death so his wife would collect insurance money.
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May 03, 2023
◉False
Resembling but not accurately or properly designated as such
a false thaw in January.
the false dawn peculiar to the tropics.
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May 03, 2023
◉False
(Computers) Indicating one of two possible values taken by a variable in Boolean logic or a binary device.
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May 03, 2023
◉False
Based on factually incorrect premises.
false legislation, false punishment
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May 03, 2023
◉Fake
Something which is not genuine, or is presented fraudulently.
I suspect this passport is a fake.
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May 03, 2023
◉False
(logic) Of a state in Boolean logic that indicates a negative result.}}
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May 03, 2023
◉Fake
(sports) A move meant to deceive an opposing player, used for gaining advantage for example when dribbling an opponent.
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May 03, 2023
◉False
Not faithful or loyal, as to obligations, allegiance, vows, etc.; untrue; treacherous.
a false friend, lover, or subject;
false to promises
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May 03, 2023
◉Fake
(nautical) One of the circles or windings of a cable or hawser, as it lies in a coil; a single turn or coil.
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May 03, 2023
◉False
Not well founded; not firm or trustworthy; erroneous.
a false conclusion;
a false construction in grammar
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May 03, 2023
◉Fake
(transitive) To make a counterfeit, to counterfeit, to forge, to falsify.
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May 03, 2023
◉False
Not essential or permanent, as parts of a structure which are temporary or supplemental.
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◉Fake
(transitive) To make a false display of, to affect, to feign, to simulate.
to fake a marriage
to fake happiness
to fake a smile
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May 03, 2023
◉False
Used in the vernacular name of a species (or group of species) together with the name of another species to which it is similar in appearance.
false scorpion (an arachnid)
false killer whale (a dolphin)
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May 03, 2023
◉Fake
(archaic) To modify fraudulently, so as to make an object appear better or other than it really is
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May 03, 2023
◉False
(obsolete) To violate, to betray (a promise, an agreement, one’s faith, etc.).
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◉Fake
(nautical) To coil (a rope, line, or hawser), by winding alternately in opposite directions, in layers usually of zigzag or figure of eight form, to prevent twisting when running out.
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May 03, 2023
◉Fake
One of the circles or windings of a cable or hawser, as it lies in a coil; a single turn or coil.
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May 03, 2023
◉Fake
To coil (a rope, line, or hawser), by winding alternately in opposite directions, in layers usually of zigzag or figure of eight form,, to prevent twisting when running out.
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May 03, 2023
◉False
One of two options on a true-or-false test.
The student received a failing grade for circling every true and false on her quiz.
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May 03, 2023
◉False
Uttering falsehood; unveracious; given to deceit; dishnest; as, a false witness.
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May 03, 2023
◉False
Not faithful or loyal, as to obligations, allegiance, vows, etc.; untrue; treacherous; perfidious; as, a false friend, lover, or subject; false to promises.
I to myself was false, ere thou to me.
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May 03, 2023
◉Fake
To manipulate fraudulently, so as to make an object appear better or other than it really is; as, to fake a bulldog, by burning his upper lip and thus artificially shortening it.
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May 03, 2023
◉False
Not according with truth or reality; not true; fitted or likely to deceive or disappoint; as, a false statement.
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May 03, 2023
◉False
Not genuine or real; assumed or designed to deceive; counterfeit; hypocritical; as, false tears; false modesty; false colors; false jewelry.
False face must hide what the false heart doth know.
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May 03, 2023
◉False
Not well founded; not firm or trustworthy; erroneous; as, a false claim; a false conclusion; a false construction in grammar.
Whose false foundation waves have swept away.
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May 03, 2023
◉False
Not essential or permanent, as parts of a structure which are temporary or supplemental.
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May 03, 2023
◉Fake
make a copy of with the intent to deceive;
he faked the signature
they counterfeited dollar bills
She forged a Green Card
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May 03, 2023
◉Fake
talk through one's hat;
The politician was not well prepared for the debate and faked it
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Fake
not genuine or real; being an imitation of the genuine article;
it isn't fake anything; it's real synthetic fur
faux pearls
false teeth
decorated with imitation palm leaves
a purse of simulated alligator hide
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Fake
Person who pretends to be something they're not
He was exposed as a fake guru.
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Sep 06, 2023
◉False
not in accordance with the fact or reality or actuality;
gave false testimony under oath
false tales of bravery
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May 03, 2023
◉False
arising from error;
a false assumption
a mistaken view of the situation
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May 03, 2023
◉False
inappropriate to reality or facts;
delusive faith in a wonder drug
delusive expectations
false hopes
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May 03, 2023
◉False
not genuine or real; being an imitation of the genuine article;
it isn't fake anything; it's real synthetic fur
faux pearls
false teeth
decorated with imitation palm leaves
a purse of simulated alligator hide
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉False
adopted in order to deceive;
an assumed name
an assumed cheerfulness
a fictitious address
fictive sympathy
a pretended interest
a put-on childish voice
sham modesty
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May 03, 2023
◉False
(used especially of persons) not dependable in devotion or affection; unfaithful;
a false friend
when lovers prove untrue
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May 03, 2023
◉False
in a disloyal and faithless manner;
he behaved treacherously
his wife played him false
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May 03, 2023
◉False
Not genuine in feeling or expression
She gave a false sense of security.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 06, 2023
False vs. Fake Frequently Asked Questions
Is a false friend the same as a fake friend?
Both imply insincerity, but a false friend might occasionally be sincere, while a fake friend consistently puts on a pretense.
Levi
Sep 27, 2023
How is fake typically used?
Fake denotes something made to imitate or deceive, often implying forgery or imitation.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 27, 2023
Can a statement be described as fake?
While "false" is more apt for untrue statements, "fake" can be used for deliberately deceptive statements meant to imitate truth.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 27, 2023
If someone gives a deceptive reason, is it false or fake?
It can be described as a "false" reason since it's not truthful. If they imitate someone else's reason to deceive, it could be termed "fake."
Lucas
Sep 27, 2023
How would you describe a non-authentic painting?
If the painting is a reproduction made to seem genuine, it's a "fake" painting. If its narrative or story is untrue, it's based on a "false" premise.
Olivia
Sep 27, 2023
In fashion, how do the terms differ?
In fashion, "false" might refer to elements that aren't genuine, like "false eyelashes." "Fake" could describe imitation products, like "fake leather."
Jonathan
Sep 27, 2023
What does false primarily indicate?
False mainly addresses the inaccuracy or untruthfulness of something.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 27, 2023
Which term applies to alarms: false or fake?
"False" is used with alarms, as in "false alarm," meaning an alarm that was set off without a genuine cause.
Nolan
Sep 27, 2023
Are all fake products also false?
Not necessarily. A product can be fake as in imitation, but its description might be honest about it being a replica.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 27, 2023
Can emotions be fake?
Emotions can't be fake in a tangible sense, but expressions can. When someone doesn't genuinely feel an emotion but displays it, their expression can be termed "fake."
Leo
Sep 27, 2023
Content Creators
Written by
Muneeza RehmanAt Comparisons.wiki, Muneeza skillfully navigates the vast sea of information, ensuring clarity and accuracy as the lead content editor. With a keen eye for detail, she curates every comparison to enlighten and engage readers.
Edited by
Muazma BatoolAs a content editor, Muazma Batool is not just a grammar guru but a creative mastermind who breathes life into every word. With an eagle eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she transforms bland text into engaging content that captivates audiences and drives results.
