English Reference
verb · noun

lie

v. · n.
US /ˈɫaɪ/ UK /lˈaɪ/ lie UK spelling lain

infinitive lie past lay past participle lain

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    v.to be located in a specific place.

    v.to be placed, situated, or located in a specific area or state.

    Simple

    The small village lies at the foot of the mountains.

    In context

    The strength of the proposal lies in its simplicity and the clear timeline it provides for the first phase of development.

    situatelocateremain
  2. 02 B1 Intermediate

    n.a statement that someone knows is not true.

    n.an intentionally false statement or a piece of information intended to deceive.

    Simple

    It was a complete lie when he said he had never met her before.

    In context

    The politician's career was ruined when the public discovered the elaborate lie he had told regarding his military service.

  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate

    n.the way something is placed or the shape of the land.

    n.the manner, place, or direction in which something is situated.

    Simple

    We need to see the lie of the land before we start building the house.

    In context

    The golfer carefully studied the lie of the ball in the tall grass before choosing a club for the difficult shot.

  4. 04 C1 Advanced Technical Medicine

    n.the position of a baby inside the mother before birth.

    n.the relationship of the long axis of the fetus to that of the mother.

    Simple

    The doctor checked the baby's lie to make sure it was ready for birth.

    In context

    A transverse lie during the final weeks of pregnancy often necessitates a planned caesarean section to ensure a safe delivery.

Don't confuse

lie vs lay — Lie is an intransitive action where a person or thing reclines, while lay is a transitive action that requires a direct object being placed down.

Usage challenge lie · difference lie · explanation lie

This entry
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Very common
Updated