Lie Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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lie

[laɪ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

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 | Verb

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

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Origin of 'lie'

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.

Word Frequency Rank

This word ranks #1,665, placing it within important intermediate vocabulary. Learning it will significantly improve your ability to express yourself in English.