Lie: meaning, definitions and examples

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lie

[ laɪ ]

^{Context #1}

telling untruth

A false statement made with deliberate intent to deceive; an intentional untruth; a falsehood.

Synonyms

deception, falsehood, fib, untruth

Examples of usage

He told a lie to avoid getting in trouble.
She caught him in a lie about his whereabouts.

^{Context #2}

not telling the truth

To make a statement that one knows is false, especially with the intent to deceive.

Synonyms

deceive, fabricate, fib, mislead

Examples of usage

He tends to lie about his achievements.
She lied to her parents about her whereabouts.

Translations

Translations of the word "lie" in other languages:

🇵🇹 mentir

🇮🇳 झूठ बोलना

🇩🇪 lügen

🇮🇩 berbohong

🇺🇦 брехати

🇵🇱 kłamać

🇯🇵 嘘をつく (うそをつく)

🇫🇷 mentir

🇪🇸 mentir

🇹🇷 yalan söylemek

🇰🇷 거짓말하다

🇸🇦 يكذب

🇨🇿 lhát

🇸🇰 klamať

🇨🇳 撒谎 (sāhuǎng)

🇸🇮 lagati

🇮🇸 ljúga

🇰🇿 өтірік айту

🇬🇪 მატყუარა

🇦🇿 yalan danışmaq

🇲🇽 mentir

Word origin

The word 'lie' originates from the Old English word 'lyge', which means a falsehood. The concept of lying has been present in human communication for centuries, with various cultural attitudes towards it. In many societies, lying is considered unethical or immoral, as it involves deceiving others. The act of lying can have a significant impact on relationships and trust between individuals.

See also: liar, lien, lies, lying, underlying.