Added 7 October 2026
lie
/laɪ̯/ symbol
In Latin: iaceō, cubō Wiktionary
symbol Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about lie at Wordnik → Where our words come from →
verb
-
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.
- To be placed or situated.
-
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
noun
- The terrain and conditions surrounding the ball before it is struck.
- The terrain and conditions surrounding the disc before it is thrown.
- The position of a fetus in the womb.
verb
-
To knowingly give false information with intent to deceive.
When Pinocchio lies, his nose grows.
-
To convey a false image or impression.
Photographs often lie.
-
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.
Origin
From Middle English lien, liggen, from Old English liċġan, from Proto-West Germanic *liggjan, from Proto-Germanic *ligjaną, from Proto-Indo-European *legʰ-.
From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)