Lying
/ˈlaɪ.ɪŋ/
Definitions
3 meaningsTo state something as fact when you know it is false.
/ˈlaɪ.ɪŋ/
To make a statement that is known to be untrue.
He was caught lying to his wife about his gambling.
💡 Simply: When you say something that's not true, you're lying. Like when you tell your friend you already finished your homework, but you haven't even started!
👶 For kids: Saying something that you know isn't true.
More Examples
I know he's lying; I saw him do it!
She denied the accusations, claiming she was being lied about.
How It's Used
"He was caught lying to his parents about his whereabouts."
"The witness was accused of lying under oath."
To be in a horizontal or resting position.
/ˈlaɪ.ɪŋ/
She was lying on the beach, soaking up the sun.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're taking a nap! When you're stretched out on a bed or the floor, that's what we call lying down.
👶 For kids: Being flat on your back or side.
More Examples
The dog was lying by the fire.
He's lying down because he's tired.
How It's Used
"He was lying on the couch, reading a book."
"The patient was advised to lie down and rest."
The act of telling a falsehood.
/ˈlaɪ.ɪŋ/
The act of stating something you know to be untrue.
His lying eventually destroyed their relationship.
💡 Simply: Telling a fib or a story that isn't true on purpose is 'lying'. It's like when you make something up to get out of trouble.
👶 For kids: When you say something that is not true.
More Examples
The evidence pointed to a pattern of lying.
She admitted to some lying about her age.
How It's Used
"The investigation uncovered several instances of lying."
"She couldn't forgive him for his lying."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
to lie low
To avoid attention or trouble.
"After the scandal, he decided to lie low for a while."
to be economical with the truth (or a lie)
To not tell the whole truth, or to leave out important details, often to deceive or mislead.
"He was economical with the truth about his financial situation."
From Middle English lien, from Old English lēogan (“to lie, deceive”). Related to German lügen and Dutch liegen.
The word "lie" has existed in English for centuries, with its meaning of deception remaining consistent. The usage of 'lying' to describe being in a horizontal position appeared relatively early.
Memory tip
Think of a "lion" - a dishonest person might 'lion' about the truth.
Word Origin
"to deceive"