false pretence
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: 1. A deceptive act or false representation intended to defraud someone, typically to obtain money or property: In law, "false pretence" refers to the crime of knowingly making a false statement of fact (past or present) with the intent to deceive another person, and as a result, obtaining something of value from them. The core elements are the misrepresentation, the intent to defraud, and the successful acquisition of property.
Examples of Usage
- Noun:
- He was convicted of obtaining money under false pretences after selling fake investment schemes.
- The company gained the contract under false pretences by lying about its safety record.
- She realized her friendship was based on false pretences when he only contacted her for loans.
Advanced Usage
- "to obtain something under false pretences": This is the most common legal and idiomatic phrase. It means to acquire something through deception.
- The art dealer was accused of obtaining the painting under false pretences.
Variants and Related Words
- False Pretense (noun): The standard American English spelling of "false pretence".
- Pretense (noun): A false appearance or action intended to deceive. (e.g., )
- Pretence (noun): The British English spelling of "pretense".
Synonyms
- Fraud: Wrongful or criminal deception intended to result in financial or personal gain.
- Deception: The act of deceiving someone.
- Misrepresentation: The action of giving a false or misleading account of the nature of something.
Related Phrases
- Under/on the pretence of (doing) something: By pretending to do something else. (Note: This common phrase uses "pretence" in a broader, not strictly legal, sense).
- He entered the building under the pretence of making a delivery.
Noun
- (law) an offense involving intent to defraud and false representation and obtaining property as a result of that misrepresentation