lying
Translation
untruthful, recumbent
Examples
The lying witness was not believable.
The lying witness was not believable.
The cat is lying in the sun.
The cat is lying in the sun.
I knew he was lying about his age.
I knew he was lying about his age.
Grammar Patterns
lying ((noun)) (adjective) describing a noun as untruthful The lying witness was not believable.
((sb./sth.)) is lying ((location)) (verb phrase) to be in a horizontal position somewhere The cat is lying in the sun.
((sb.)) is lying ((about sth.)) (verb phrase) to be telling an untruth about something He is lying about his age.
Similar Words
Etymology
From two Old English verbs: 'lēogan' (to tell a falsehood) and 'licgan' (to recline). Their present participles merged into 'lying'.
Memory Tips
Remember the two meanings with this sentence: 'A liar is lying (telling untruths) while lying (reclining) on the sofa.'