Which one is correct, lier or liar? A liar is someone who tells lies, and lier is a misspelling of the word liar. However, there’s such a thing as a lier: someone who lies in the sense of lying down or reclining. Read on to get a fuller understanding of what these words mean and how to use them.
Related:
- Smelled or Smelt: Which Spelling Is Correct?
- Verbage vs Verbiage: What’s the Correct Spelling?
- Flier or Flyer: What’s the Correct Spelling?
What Is a Liar?
A liar is a person who is dishonest and says things that aren’t true. It’s important to understand that the person knows the things said are false. There is an intent to deceive. This differs from misinforming, which is repeating information you believe to be true but which isn’t.
Speaking of misinforming, “disinforming” is not the same thing. It’s a form of lying that involves deliberately telling people things that are false, with the intent of influencing people’s thinking and behavior. Often, disinformation is associated with governments and political actors spreading propaganda.
The word liar comes from the Old English leogere, which comes from a Germanic term for a liar. This word came into use before AD 1150.
Examples
- If you keep saying things that aren’t true, you’ll get a reputation as a liar.
- Because he was a known liar, no one believed much of what he said.
- Is a politician who breaks a campaign promise a liar?
- Just because I was wrong, that doesn’t make me a liar.
- Changing your mind about a long-held belief doesn’t mean you were a liar all along.
When and How to Use Liar?
Some argue that telling one lie makes someone a liar. Many disagree, though; they say there has to be a pattern of lying and/or dishonesty.
For example, almost every child will lie at some point out of fear of getting in trouble. That doesn’t make the child a liar. Or you might lie to your boss about why you were late. A sick child is a more compelling excuse than spending too long at Starbucks. Does that make you a liar? One would say it does only if it’s a habit.
Sometimes, people tell a lie and then tell more lies to cover up the first lie. The motivation is really fear, not ill intent. Still, most people would say that person is being a liar.
What Is the Meaning Of Lier?
The word lier is someone or something physically lying down or in a horizontal position. For example, a predator lying in an ambush is a lier, so is someone taking a nap in bed or on a couch.
The word dates back to Middle English, where it had the same spelling and meaning. Basically, it’s a noun made from lie (recline) + -er.
Examples:
- When hunting, some big cats become a lier in tall grass as they wait for prey to get close.
- I was pretty much a lier yesterday; I slept in and spent most of the day on the couch.
- While I was sick, I was mostly a lier because I was too weak to get up and move around.
- Today’s going to be a lazy day; I’m going to be a lier all around the house.
When and How to Use Lier?
You want to use this word to indicate someone or something who is lying in wait, ambush, or repose. Honestly, it’s probably better to just use another word or phrase. You risk confusion and insult otherwise.
Let’s say you tell me you’re going to take a nap. Then I respond with “Oh, so I see you’re a lier!” You’re probably going to be offended or bewildered because I seemingly just accused you of being a liar.
You’re far more likely to see lier as a misspelling of liar than used correctly.
What’s the Difference?
The main difference is that a liar is telling untruths while a lier is physically lying down. That’s a big difference, and it’s problematic because although the spellings are different, the pronunciations are the same (liar and lier are homophones). One assigns negative character traits to someone, while the other describes what someone is doing.
Trick to Remembering the Correct Spelling
The slight spelling difference between liar and lier can lead to misusing these words, even though they have different concepts.
Here’s a tip for liar: The lying coming from a liar becomes all too familiar (usual, expected). Note both words have -ar.
For lier, remember the lie + er mentioned earlier.
Tip: Using synonyms will help you avoid misusing the words. That’s one way to resolve the issue of using lier or liar.
Final Thoughts
Using lier or liar can be tricky. Remember that these two words have different meanings, and yes, lier is a real word! A liar tells false statements out of habit, and a lier is someone/something in a flat position. If you’re not sure, just take the advice to avoid using lier at all!
