Definition of "lie" in English

verb

1. (intransitive) To rest in a horizontal position on a surface.

   • The book lies on the table; the snow lies on the roof; he lies in his coffin.
   • Under an oak were lying asleep a pair of shepherds.

2. (intransitive) To be placed or situated.

3. (intransitive, copulative) To abide; to remain for a longer or shorter time; to be in a certain state or condition.

   • to lie waste; to lie fallow; to lie open; to lie hidden; to lie grieving; to lie under one's displeasure; to lie at the mercy of the waves
   • The paper does not lie smooth on the wall.

4. Used with in: to be or exist; to belong or pertain; to have an abiding place; to consist.

5. Used with with: to have sexual relations with.

6. Used with on/upon: to be incumbent (on); to be the responsibility of a person.

7. (archaic) To lodge; to sleep.

8. To be still or quiet, like one lying down to rest.

9. (law) To be sustainable; to be capable of being maintained.

   • An appeal lies in this case from the ordinary to the arches.

noun

1. (golf) The terrain and conditions surrounding the ball before it is struck.

2. (disc golf) The terrain and conditions surrounding the disc before it is thrown.

3. (medicine) The position of a fetus in the womb.

4. A manner of lying; relative position.

5. An animal's lair.

verb

1. (intransitive) To give false information intentionally with intent to deceive.

   • When Pinocchio lies, his nose grows.
   • If you are found to have lied in court, you could face a penalty.
   • Don't lie to me!

2. (intransitive) To convey a false image or impression.

   • Photographs often lie.

3. (intransitive, colloquial) To be mistaken or unintentionally spread false information.

   • Sorry, I haven't seen your keys anywhere...wait, I lied! They're right there on the coffee table.

noun

1. An intentionally false statement; an intentional falsehood.

   • I knew he was telling a lie by his facial expression.

2. A statement intended to deceive, even if literally true.

3. (by extension) Anything that misleads or disappoints.