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belie

Verb

IPA /bɪˈlaɪ/

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Meaning in plain English

To give an impression that hides the true nature or extent of something, often through appearance.

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Pronunciation

belie/bɪˈlaɪ/

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Examples in context

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  1. His relaxed smile belied the worry he felt inside.
  2. The report's simple layout belies the complexity of the research.

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To give an impression that hides the true nature or extent of something, often through appearance.
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belie — To give an impression that hides the true nature or extent of something, often through appearance.

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To give an impression that hides the true nature or extent of something, often through appearance.

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Word origin

From Old English beleogan, meaning to deceive by lying.

Did you know?

The subject can be an outward sign: her calm voice belied her excitement.

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belie

/bɪˈlaɪ/ (Verb)

“Belie is formal. The thing that creates the misleading impression comes before the verb.”

englishskillstudio.com