Fraudulent Meaning and Definition
Fraudulent
Pronunciation
/ˈfɹɔɪdʒənəlt/
Part of Speech
Adjective
Definition
Examples
- The financier was found guilty of engaging in fraudulent activities.
- She accused him of being involved in a fraudulent scheme.
Synonyms
- Dishonest
- Cheating
- Deceptive
Antonyms
- Legitimate
- Honest
- Trustworthy
Etymology
The word ‘Fraudulent’ originated from the Old French word ‘frauduleux’ or ‘fraudulent’, which is derived from the Latin word ‘fraus’, meaning ‘deceit’. The term has evolved over time to encompass a wide range of deceitful actions and intentions.
Usage Notes
Fraudulent is often used in the context of financial crimes, such as embezzlement or Ponzi schemes. It can also describe actions that involve deceiving or cheating others in a business or personal setting.
Cultural References
Fraudulent has been referenced in popular culture, such as in literature and film. For example, the novel “The Wolf of Wall Street” by Jordan Belfort is a true story of a stockbroker who engaged in fraudulent activities.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- ‘Fraudulent scheme’ – refers to a deceitful plan or conspiracy.
- ‘Fraudulent activity’ – describes acts of cheating or deception.
Related Words or Phrases
Fraudulent is closely related to words such as deceitful, dishonest, and cheating. Other related phrases include ‘white-collar crime’ and ‘ Ponzi scheme’.
Collocations
- ‘Fraudulent business practices’ – describes deceitful activities in a commercial setting.
- ‘Fraudulent email’ – refers to an email that contains misleading or false information.
- ‘Fraudulent activities’ – describes acts of cheating or deception.
Frequency of Use
Fraudulent is a relatively common word in modern language, particularly in the context of financial crimes and business practices. It is often used in reports, articles, and conversations related to deceitful activities.
Common Misspellings
Common misspellings of fraudulent include ‘fraudulelent’, ‘fraudulnet’, ‘fraudulentley’, and ‘fraudulentlly’.