lie
word
/ˈɫaɪ/
ly
/lˈaɪ/
ly
Definition
To say something that is not true (verb) or a statement that is not true (noun). Also, to be in a flat or resting position (verb).
Usage & Nuances
'Lie' as a verb and noun (meaning 'not true') is different from 'lay' (to put something down). 'Lie down' means to get into a flat position. Context usually makes the meaning clear. 'Tell a lie' is a common phrase; 'lie' for 'rest' is more formal or descriptive.
Spanish: mentira - estar tumbadoPortuguese (BR): mentira - deitarPortuguese (PT): mentira - deitarChinese (Simplified): 谎言 - 躺Chinese (Traditional): 謊言 - 躺Hindi: झूठ - लेटनाArabic: كذبة - يستلقيBengali: মিথ্যা বলা - শোয়াRussian: лгать - ложь - лежатьJapanese: うそ（嘘） - 横になるVietnamese: nói dối - lời nói dối - nằmKorean: 거짓말하다 - 거짓말 - 눕다Turkish: yalan söylemek - yalan - uzanmakUrdu: جھوٹ بولنا - جھوٹ - لیٹناIndonesian: berbohong - kebohongan - berbaring
Example Sentences
He told a big lie to his parents.
basic
Please do not lie about what happened.
basic
I want to lie down for a few minutes.
basic
Don't believe everything you hear; it could be a lie.
natural
My dog loves to lie in the sun for hours.
natural
Sometimes a small lie can cause big problems later.
natural