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lie — to say something that is not true in order to deceive

Part of speech: VERB

Definition: to say something that is not true in order to deceive

Pronunciation (IPA): /laɪ/

Example Sentences

  • My dog ate my homework is such an old lie that even teachers laugh at it now.
  • The remote control always lies in the most impossible places to find.
  • I never lie, except when I say 'I never lie'.

lie

VERB

[/laɪ/]

to say something that is not true in order to deceive

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🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/laɪ/
🇬🇧 UK/laɪ/

🌳Etymology

Rootlie

Origin

English has two distinct words spelled 'lie' from different origins. The verb meaning 'to recline' derives from Old English 'licgan', cognate with Germanic languages. The verb meaning 'to tell an untruth' comes from Old English 'lyge' (noun) and 'leogan' (verb), related to Proto-Germanic roots meaning deception.

Breakdown

Recline: Old English 'licgan' (to lie down), from Proto-Germanic '*ligjaną'. Untruth: Old English 'lyge' (noun, a lie) and 'leogan' (verb, to lie/deceive), from Proto-Germanic '*lugiz' (deception).

🎵Rhyme

die
pie
sky
try
why

🔗Collocations

tell a lie
white lie
lie down
lie flat
pack of lies
lie awake

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

“My dog ate my homework is such an old lie that even teachers laugh at it now.”

😄 Fun example

“The remote control always lies in the most impossible places to find.”

😄 Fun example

“I never lie, except when I say 'I never lie'.”

“The truth will come out, so don't lie about what happened.”

📚Related Words

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