Words / C2

bi-LEYE/bɪˈlaɪ/

To belie is to give a false impression of something, or to fail to show its true nature: her calm belied her fear, a title that belies the contents. Contradict (already in the dictionary) is to say the opposite; disguise (already in the dictionary) is to hide on purpose. Specious (already in the dictionary) is apparently sound but false. Do not let a ranking slide stand in for a filled n.

Meaning

To give a false impression of something; to fail to give a true idea of it.

Examples

• “A “world-leading” slide belies an empty n.”
• “Contradict is to say the opposite (already in B2). Disguise is to hide (already in B1). Specious is seemingly true (already in C2). A modest title over a dated appendix can be honest. A hymn over a blank cell is the lie the slide tells. Open the spreadsheet; the adjective can wait.”

Good to know

Give a false impression of. Everyday: hide / contradict (already in this dictionary). Close: mask. Contrast: specious (apparently sound — already in C2). A slide is not an n.

Near in meaning

contradict, mask, misrepresent, disguise

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