Belie
To give a false impression of; to misrepresent; to fail to fulfill a promise or expectation
verbBelie
To give a false impression of; to misrepresent; to fail to fulfill a promise or expectation
verbImagine This
If someone lies, he or she must not be telling the truth (in other words, to give a false idea). Usually, he or she will fail to fulfill a promise.
Sounds Like
bih-LY
Looks Like
Believe (visually similar; belIe is resembleBelieve without the 've')
Remember This
Do not confuse bel ie with believe; bel ie means misrepresent, whereas believe means accept as true.
Other Forms
Connect With
misrepresent, contradict, disguise, mask, distort
Note
Belie is often used with evidence, appearances, or promises to indicate that what is shown does not reflect the truth. Common mistake: thinking bel ie means 'believe'.
Study Deeper
- The data belies the theory of rapid growth.
- Her calm exterior belies her anxiety.
From be- + lie; from Middle English belien (to misrepresent).
BE-LIE: Remember that belies means to lie about the truth—the word literally contains 'lie' with a be- prefix.
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Similar Words
Related words and words with the same part of speech.
Disguise
verbTo alter one’s appearance or behavior to conceal one’s identity or true nature; a disguise is the clothing or act used to achieve this.
Abandon
verbTo give up completely, to desert or leave behind, or to relinquish a claim, plan, or responsibility.
Abate
verbTo decrease in amount or intensity; to reduce or end something.
Abolish
verbTo formally end or repeal a system, practice, or institution; to officially put an end to something established.
Abridge
verbTo shorten (a text, speech, or other work) by omitting parts; to condense.
Abscond
verbTo depart secretly or flee, especially to avoid detection or arrest.