belie
/bi'lai/
Definition
Verb: 1. To give a false impression of; to misrepresent: To show something to be different or less true than it really is. 2. To prove false; to contradict: To show that something (like a hope, belief, or statement) is not true or accurate.
Usage and Examples
- To give a false impression:
- His calm smile belied the nervousness he felt inside.
- The modest exterior of the house belies its luxurious interior.
- To prove false; to contradict:
- The latest economic data belies the government's optimistic claims.
- Her energetic performance belied her age.
Advanced Usage
- "to belie one's promise": To fail to keep a promise.
- He belied his promise to help, leaving us to finish the project alone.
- "acts belie words": When someone's actions contradict their statements.
- Politicians often face criticism when their acts belie their words.
Variants and Related Words
- Unbelied (adj): Not contradicted or proven false. (Rare)
- Belying (v, present participle): The act of giving a false impression.
- The belying nature of his friendly demeanor was eventually revealed.
Synonyms
- Misrepresent: To give a false or misleading account of.
- Contradict: To be in conflict with.
- Disguise: To conceal the true nature of.
- Gainsay: To deny or contradict (formal).
Antonyms
- Reveal: To make known.
- Disclose: To uncover.
- Confirm: To establish the truth of.
- Attest: To provide evidence for.
Related Phrases and Idioms
- To belie expectations: To act contrary to what was anticipated.
- The team's victory belied all expectations.
- A look that belies one's feelings: A facial expression that hides one's true emotions.
- She managed a smile, a look that belied her feelings of despair.
Verb
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represent falsely
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This statement misrepresents my intentions
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be in contradiction with
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