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Lies Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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lies

[laɪz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

telling untruths

False statements made with the intention to deceive others.

Synonyms

deception, falsehoods, untruths.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
lies

Use 'lies' when referring to deliberate statements that are known to be untrue, often with the intent to deceive.

  • He was caught telling lies to get out of trouble
  • She spread lies about her colleague
deception

Use 'deception' when referring to the act of hiding the truth or misleading others. It encompasses broader actions beyond just verbal statements.

  • His deception almost fooled everyone
  • The magician's act was based on clever deceptions
untruths

Use 'untruths' to softly imply incorrect or false statements. It is often used in situations where the false statements may not be malicious.

  • The article contained several untruths
  • He told untruths about his whereabouts to protect his friend
falsehoods

Use 'falsehoods' when referring to statements or beliefs that are objectively false, regardless of whether they were intended to deceive.

  • The report was filled with falsehoods
  • Politicians often spread falsehoods during campaigns

Examples of usage

  • He was caught in a web of lies.
  • She couldn't distinguish between truth and lies.
Context #2 | Verb

present tense

To make false statements with the intention to deceive.

Synonyms

deceive, fabricate, mislead.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
lies

This word is used when someone tells something untrue with the intention to deceive others. It is a very general term and can be used in most situations where falsehoods are involved.

  • He told lies about his qualifications to get the job
  • She discovered his lies after checking his story
deceive

Utilize this term when the focus is on the act of making someone believe something that is not true. It often implies trickery or manipulation.

  • He tried to deceive her by hiding the evidence
  • They deceived the customers with false advertising
fabricate

This word is used when someone creates a false story or information, usually in a detailed or elaborate way. It often implies some effort and creativity in constructing the lie.

  • She fabricated an alibi to avoid suspicion
  • The journalist was fired for fabricating quotes
mislead

This term is used when someone is given the wrong idea or impression, often unintentionally. It can have less negative connotation compared to 'lie' or 'deceive'.

  • He was misled by the ambiguous signs
  • The website mislead visitors into thinking it was an official source

Examples of usage

  • He lies about his whereabouts.
  • She lies to avoid punishment.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Humans often lie to protect themselves from consequences or to avoid hurting others' feelings.
  • Research shows that children start to understand the concept of lying around age 4, as they learn to differentiate between reality and make-believe.
  • People can tell different types of lies: white lies are small and often harmless, while bigger lies can lead to major issues.

History

  • Throughout history, individuals in power have used deception as a tool for manipulation, shaping political narratives.
  • The infamous Watergate scandal in the 1970s is a prominent example where lies led to the resignation of a U.S. president.
  • In ancient Rome, the phrase 'caveat emptor' (let the buyer beware) reminds us that deceitful practices have always been a concern in trade.

Literature

  • Classic literature often explores themes of deceit, exemplified in works like 'Othello', where lies lead to tragic outcomes.
  • Fables and fairy tales frequently use deception to deliver moral lessons, illustrating the consequences of dishonesty.
  • Modern novels like 'The Great Gatsby' illustrate how lies can shape relationships and perceptions of reality.

Pop Culture

  • Television shows and movies often revolve around plot twists involving lies, often labeled as 'betrayals' or 'secrets'.
  • Reality TV thrives on conflict and deception, as producers encourage contestants to lie to stay in the game.
  • Song lyrics frequently explore themes of deception in relationships, highlighting emotional turmoil.

Technology

  • With the rise of the internet, misinformation has become widespread, showing how easily lies can spread.
  • Social media platforms often struggle with the challenge of distinguishing real information from deceptive content.
  • Algorithms are now being designed to combat false information, emphasizing the need for truth in the digital age.

Origin of 'lies'

The word 'lies' originated from the Old English word 'lyge' meaning a false statement. Over time, it has evolved to encompass both the act of telling untruths and the false statements themselves. The concept of lying has been present in human communication since ancient times, with various moral and ethical implications attached to it.

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

Word Frequency Rank

This word ranks #1,622, placing it within important intermediate vocabulary. Learning it will significantly improve your ability to express yourself in English.