lying

ly-ing · verb

imported

Definitions

verb

  1. 1.

    The act of telling untruths.

  2. 2.

    Present participle of "lie" (to be in a horizontal position).

  3. 3.

    Not telling the truth; deceitful.

  4. 4.

    Present participle of "lie" (to tell an untruth).

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    lying low — staying hidden or inconspicuous
  • •
    lying in wait — hiding while waiting to ambush

Related words

Antonyms: standing, truth-telling
See also: dishonest, liar, lie
Synonyms: fibbing, reclining, resting

Etymology

From two Old English verbs: licgan ("to recline") and leogan ("to tell untruths"). Both share the same present participle form in Modern English.