What does belied mean?
Belied is a verb that means to contradict or show to be false something previously believed or accepted. It can also be used to give a false impression of something. The word is often used in formal contexts, such as writing or speech, to describe a situation where someone's words or actions contradict their true intentions or feelings. For example, a person's smile may belied their true feelings of sadness. The word can also be used to describe a situation where a company's financial reports belied their actual financial struggles. Belied is a useful word to use when you want to describe a situation where something is not as it seems.
verbTo contradict or show to be false something previously believed or accepted; to give a false impression of something.
- To contradict or show to be false something previously believed or accepted; to give a false impression of something.
"Her smile belied her true feelings of sadness."
"Her smile belied her true feelings of sadness."
"The company's financial reports belied their actual financial struggles."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of belied
The word 'belied' comes from the Old English word 'belīdan', which means 'to lie in wait' or 'to deceive'. This word is derived from the Proto-Germanic word '*belizjan', which is also the source of the Modern English word 'lie'. The word 'belied' has been used in the English language since the 15th century, and its meaning has remained relatively consistent over time.
Usage notes
Belied can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it is more commonly used in formal writing or speech. It can be used to describe a situation where someone's words or actions contradict their true intentions or feelings.