lie
verb (1)
\ ˈlī
\
\
lay\ ˈlā
\;
lain\ ˈlān
\;
lying\ ˈlī-iŋ
\
\;
lain\ ˈlān
\;
lying\ ˈlī-iŋ
\
Definition of lie
(Entry 1 of 6)
b
: to assume a horizontal position
—often used with down
d
: to have sexual intercourse
—used with with
e
: to remain inactive (as in concealment)
lie in wait
2
: to be in a helpless or defenseless state
the town lay at the mercy of the invaders
3
of an inanimate thing
: to be or remain in a flat or horizontal position upon a broad support
books lying on the table
4
: to have direction : extend
the route lay to the west
5a
: to occupy a certain relative place or position
hills lie behind us
b
: to have a place in relation to something else
the real reason lies deeper
c
: to have an effect through mere presence, weight, or relative position
remorse lay heavily on him
d
: to be sustainable or admissible
6
: to remain at anchor or becalmed
7a
: to have place : exist
the choice lay between fighting or surrendering
lie low
1
: to lie prostrate, defeated, or disgraced
2
: to stay in hiding : strive to avoid notice
3
: to bide one's time : remain secretly ready for action
lie
noun (1)
\ ˈlī
\
\
Definition of lie (Entry 2 of 6)
2
: the position or situation in which something lies (see lie entry 1)
a golf ball in a difficult lie
4
British
: an act or instance of lying or resting
lie
verb (2)
\ ˈlī
\
\
lied;
lying\ ˈlī-iŋ
\
\
Definition of lie (Entry 3 of 6)
1
: to make an untrue statement with intent to deceive
She was lying when she said she didn't break the vase. He lied about his past experience.
2
: to create a false or misleading impression
Statistics sometimes lie. The mirror never lies.
: to bring about by telling lies
He lied his way out of trouble.
lie
noun (2)
\ ˈlī
\
\
Definition of lie (Entry 4 of 6)
1a
: an assertion of something known or believed by the speaker or writer to be untrue with intent to deceive
He told a lie to avoid punishment.
b
: an untrue or inaccurate statement that may or may not be believed true by the speaker or writer
the lies we tell ourselves to feel better historical records containing numerous lies
2
: something that misleads or deceives
His show of remorse was a lie.
3
: a charge of lying (see lie entry 3)
Lie
biographical name (1)
\ ˈlē
\
\
Definition of Lie (Entry 5 of 6)
Jonas 1833–1908 Norwegian novelist and dramatist
Lie
biographical name (2)Definition of Lie (Entry 6 of 6)
Trygve Halvdan 1896–1968 Norwegian lawyer; secretary-general of U.N. (1946–52)
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