Belie Meaning in English
word
Definition
To give a false impression of something; to make something appear different from how it really is.
Usage & Nuances
"Belie" is formal and often used in writing or careful speech. It typically describes appearances, expressions, or behaviors that hide the true situation, e.g., "Her smile belied her sadness." Common confusion: it does NOT mean "to lie." Often followed by a noun ("belie the fact" or "belie his age").
Example Sentences
His calm voice belied his nervousness.
basic
Her cheerful face belied the sadness inside.
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The small size of the building belies how many people work there.
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The bright colors of the painting belie its dark message.
natural
Don’t let his jokes belie how serious he is about his work.
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Her friendly attitude belies the fact that she's actually quite shy.
natural