1
Core action
Give a false impression of, conceal, or contradict the true nature or facts of something.
Example
The simple interface belies the system's complexity.
belie
/bɪˈlaɪ/ · bih-LYEverb
Give a false impression of, conceal, or contradict the true nature or facts of something.
Use belie to express this relationship precisely: give a false impression of, conceal, or contradict the true nature or facts of something.
What belie Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Common construction
Use this expression in its normal grammatical frame so the relationship between the surrounding ideas remains explicit.
Example
His calm voice belied considerable anxiety.
3
Reasoning effect
It tells the reader how to interpret the timing, scope, evidence, contrast, condition, or consequence in the statement.
Example
The cheerful title belies the novel's sombre subject.
Use belie Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
The simple interface belies the system's complexity.
His calm voice belied considerable anxiety.
The cheerful title belies the novel's sombre subject.
Precision Matters
Belie overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
belie
vs.Means give a false impression of, conceal, or contradict the true nature or facts of something.
corroborate
Means confirm or support a statement with additional evidence.
belie
vs.Means give a false impression of, conceal, or contradict the true nature or facts of something.
vindicate
Means to free from blame or prove a person, claim, or decision correct.
belie
vs.Means give a false impression of, conceal, or contradict the true nature or facts of something.
allude
Means refer to someone or something indirectly rather than naming or explaining it explicitly.
belie
vs.Means give a false impression of, conceal, or contradict the true nature or facts of something.
ostensibly
Means apparently or according to what is stated, though the true situation or motive may be different.
Test belie in Context
The outward appearance gives a false impression of the interior's true character.
1
The building's modest exterior may ___ the elaborate halls hidden inside it.