Lying Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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lying

[laɪɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

deception

To lie means to make a false statement with the intention to deceive someone. It is a deliberate act of misleading others by stating something that is not true.

Synonyms

deceive, fabricate, fib, mislead.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
lying	This word is broadly used to describe the act of not telling the truth, often intentionally and with the aim to deceive. It can be used in various contexts, both formal and informal. He was caught lying about his whereabouts Children sometimes lie to avoid getting in trouble
deceive	Used in more serious or formal contexts, it implies an intent to make someone believe something that is not true. This word is often used when talking about betrayal or manipulation. He deceived his customers by selling fake products She felt deeply hurt that her friend had deceived her
fib	This word is used to describe a small or harmless lie, often told to avoid hurting someone’s feelings or to avoid minor troubles. It’s usually used in a light-hearted manner. She told a little fib about why she was late It's just a fib, nothing serious!
fabricate	Often used when someone creates a false story or information with a clear intent to mislead. This term is frequently seen in legal or academic contexts. The journalist was fired for fabricating quotes They accused him of fabricating evidence in the case
mislead	This word is used when someone provides false or misleading information, causing others to have incorrect beliefs or assumptions. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts. The advertisement was designed to mislead consumers He didn't lie directly, but his statements were meant to mislead

Examples of usage

She lied about her age to get into the club.
He lied to his boss about being sick to get the day off work.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

position

To lie also means to be in or assume a horizontal or resting position on a surface.

Synonyms

be situated, recline, rest.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
lying	Used to describe something or someone in a horizontal position. He was lying on the couch after a long day The book was lying on the table
recline	Used when someone leans back in a comfortable position, often in a chair or seat. He likes to recline in his chair while reading a book The seats can recline for extra comfort
rest	Used when someone is taking a break to relax or recover. You should rest after your long journey She needed to rest before continuing the hike
be situated	Used to describe the location or position of something. The school is situated near the park Our office is situated in the heart of the city

Examples of usage

He lies on the sofa all day watching TV.
The book lies open on the table.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Studies show that people often lie to avoid consequences or to protect someone's feelings, indicating a complex relationship with honesty.
Research suggests that over time, habitual lying can lead to diminished empathy, altering how lie-tellers relate to others.
Psychological theories indicate that the ability to lie is linked to higher cognitive development and theory of mind abilities.

Pop Culture

Lying is a central theme in many popular movies and books, often driving conflict – think of films like 'Liar Liar' or 'Gone Girl.'
Social media platforms have contributed to the ease of lying, as users can create curated versions of their lives that may be misleading.
The act of lying has been examined in many TV series, exploring the moral implications and consequences, as seen in shows like 'Breaking Bad.'

Literature

'The Crucible' by Arthur Miller highlights the destructive power of lies, showing how falsehoods can ruin lives and communities.
Classic literature often features characters who lie, such as Iago in Shakespeare's 'Othello,' emphasizing themes of betrayal and trust.
In 'The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn' by Mark Twain, Huck's lies are seen as morally ambiguous, exploring the complexity of truth in difficult situations.

Law and Ethics

Lying under oath, known as perjury, is a serious crime in many legal systems, emphasizing the importance of truth in the judicial process.
Ethical discussions of lying often revolve around the 'greater good' – is it ever acceptable to lie to protect someone?
Many philosophers, including Kant, argue that honesty is a moral imperative, suggesting that lying undermines trust in society.

Origin of 'lying'

Main points about word origin

The word 'lying' comes from Old English 'hleotan,' meaning 'to recline,' which evolved into its current meaning of telling falsehoods.
The shift from physical reclining to metaphorical 'lying' reflects how language evolves based on social interactions and norms.
In Middle English, 'liying' was used to indicate both lying down and deceit, showing how connected these ideas were.

The word 'lying' originated from the Old English word 'leogan', which means to tell a lie or to make an untrue statement. Over time, the word evolved to its current form and gained different meanings in both deception and position contexts.

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

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,290, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.

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2287 worse
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2289 limitations
2290 lying
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2292 noticed
2293 argued
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