A1verb1K

Lie

UK /["/laɪ/","/laɪz/","/leɪ/","/leɪn/","/ˈlaɪɪŋ/"]/US /["/laɪ/","/laɪz/","/leɪ/","/leɪn/","/ˈlaɪɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to be or put yourself in a flat position so that you are not standing or sitting

In simple words: To not tell the truth; to say something that is not true.

Examples

  • He decided to lie about his age.
  • It is wrong to lie to your friends.
  • After a long day, I just want to lie down and rest.
  • The cat likes to lie in the sun.
  • She didn’t want to lie on the floor during the game.

Usage notes

Use 'lie' in everyday conversation when discussing honesty. Avoid in formal writing; use 'deceive' instead. Be cautious of context when discussing serious topics.

Grammar pattern

lie + object

Memory hint

Think 'lie down' — when someone lies, they fall down on the truth.

Collocations

  • down
  • there
  • comfortably
  • on
  • in
  • lie asleep
  • lie awake
  • lie dead
  • down
  • there
  • comfortably
  • on
  • in
  • lie asleep
  • lie awake
  • lie dead

Synonyms

  • deceive
  • mislead
  • fabricate
  • falsify

Antonyms

  • tell the truth
  • be honest

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'lay' — remember 'lie' is about truth-telling.
  • Using it in the past tense incorrectly; 'lied' not 'lie-d'.
  • Confusing 'lie' as a noun with 'lie' as a verb.