false friend

Noun

Meaning

(linguistics, translation studies, lexicography) A word in a language that bears a deceptive resemblance to a word in another language but in fact has a different meaning.
Synonym: faux ami
A word and its false friend may well be etymologically related: in such cases semantic shifts have made them drift apart.

Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see false,‎ friend.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

A false friend and a shadow stay around only while the sun shines. Benjamin Franklin

Better an open enemy than a false friend. English Proverb

Better an honest enemy than a false friend. German Proverb

An open enemy is better than a false friend. Greek Proverb

A false friend is like a shadow their only with you when the sun is shining. African Proverb

Better an open enemy than a false friend. Danish Proverb

Close letter words and terms