Definition

1. Noun:
   • A trivial or insignificant lie: A "fib" is a small, often harmless lie, typically told to avoid minor trouble or to be polite.
2. Verb:
   • To tell a trivial lie: The action of telling a small, relatively unimportant falsehood.

Usage

• As a Noun: Used to refer to the lie itself.
• As a Verb: Used to describe the act of telling such a lie. It is often used in informal contexts.

Examples

• Noun:
  • He told a fib about eating his spinach to avoid finishing his dinner.
  • It was just a little fib to spare her feelings.
• Verb:
  • She fibbed about her age to get the child's discount.
  • Children sometimes fib when they are afraid of getting into trouble.

Advanced Usage

• "To tell a little white fib": This phrase emphasizes that the lie is considered harmless or told for a polite or kind reason.
  • I told a little white fib and said I loved the gift, even though I didn't.
• The verb "fib" is often used in the continuous form ("fibbing") to describe the ongoing act or habit.
  • Fibbing is not acceptable, even if you don't call it lying.

Variants and Related Words

• Fibber (noun): A person who tells fibs.
  • Don't be such a fibber; tell me the truth.
• Fibbing (gerund/noun): The act of telling fibs.

Synonyms

• White lie (noun): A harmless or trivial lie, often told to avoid hurting someone's feelings.
• Untruth (noun): A more formal word for a lie or false statement.

Antonyms

• Truth (noun): A fact or belief that is accepted as true.
• Honesty (noun): The quality of being honest and truthful.

Noun

1. a trivial lie
   • he told a fib about eating his spinach
   • how can I stop my child from telling stories?

Verb

1. tell a relatively insignificant lie
   • Fibbing is not acceptable, even if you don't call it lying