belie

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "belie" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is a verb that typically means to contradict or misrepresent something. For example, "His calm demeanor belied his inner turmoil."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Yet as I've written before for the Irish Times and elsewhere, these assertions are fundamentally false and belie an extremely devious attitude to research.

The Guardian

But at first glance, the study of American presidential elections seems to belie that characterisation.

The Economist

It will raise tax revenues, but could belie Cuba's myth of material equality.

The Economist

Except that these attacks followed, and some will say belie, a claim the previous week from Michael Hayden, the director of the CIA, that, on balance, America was doing "pretty well" against terrorism.Needless to say, indignant politicians and pundits pounced on Mr Hayden's remarks, which he made in an interview with the Washington Post.

The Economist

Demand for new housing, due to either sunshine or economic success, isn't driving Sun Belt growth – low prices belie that explanation.

The Economist

Details of a new bill that will give America's government the power to dismantle stricken banks is intended to belie the notion that some financial firms are "too big to fail".

The Economist

"Make no mistake: our revolution is stronger than ever".Mr Rondón's rambling remarks over the next 45 minutes belie that claim.

The Economist

Read it and you will never look at your work colleagues in quite the same way again.In this highly original psychological thriller set in the Centre for Genocide Information in Copenhagen, tidy pot-plants and orderly filing cabinets belie the seething mass of resentments, betrayals, back-stabbing and bullying among the female staff.

The Economist

The search for income has driven ten-year government-bond yields down to 2% or so; high-yield bonds belie their name by offering only 5%.

The Economist

The dismemberment of Reliance by sibling rivalry rather than by commercial pressures seems to belie this.

The Economist

And conditions in many areas belie the trumpeted successes.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "belie" to highlight an unexpected contrast between appearance and reality. For example, "Her calm demeanor belied her inner anxiety."

Common error

Avoid using "belie" when you simply mean 'contradict'. "Belie" implies a subtle discrepancy or misrepresentation, not just a direct opposition.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "belie" is as a transitive verb. It requires an object and indicates that one thing contradicts or misrepresents another. As Ludwig AI points out, this often involves a contrast between appearance and reality. Ludwig examples show this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "belie" is a transitive verb used to indicate that something contradicts or misrepresents something else. Ludwig AI confirms that it often points to a contrast between appearance and reality. It appears most frequently in news and media contexts, with a neutral to formal register. To use "belie" effectively, focus on highlighting subtle discrepancies rather than direct oppositions. Remember that alternatives like "contradict", "disprove", and "misrepresent" can provide similar meaning but might lack the specific nuance of "belie". When you want to show a contrast between what seems to be true and what actually is, "belie" is a valuable tool.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

contradict

This word directly indicates opposition or inconsistency between two things.

misrepresent

This indicates giving a false or misleading account of something.

prove false

This indicates demonstrating the inaccuracy of something.

disprove

This term implies demonstrating that something is false or incorrect.

show to be untrue

This means revealing the falsity of something.

call into question

This phrase suggests casting doubt on the validity or truth of something.

run contrary to

This suggests a direct opposition or conflict.

give a false impression

This implies creating a deceptive appearance.

mask

This suggests concealing the true nature or appearance of something.

fly in the face of

This idiom suggests a blatant contradiction or defiance.

FAQs

How can I use "belie" in a sentence?

Use "belie" to show how something gives a false impression or contradicts expectations. For example, "The company's official statements "belie" the reality of their financial difficulties".

What does "belie" mean?

"Belie" means to contradict, misrepresent, or disguise the true nature of something. It suggests that appearances are deceiving.

What words are similar to "belie"?

Synonyms for "belie" include "contradict", "disprove", "mask", and "misrepresent". The best choice depends on the specific context.

How is "belie" different from "contradict"?

"Contradict" implies a direct opposition. "Belie", however, suggests a more subtle misrepresentation or that something gives a false impression without being a direct contradiction. For instance, someone's actions might "belie" their words.