Lier or liar | Meaning, Correct Spelling & Examples
Lier or liar | Meaning, Correct Spelling & Examples
Published on
June 10, 2024
by
Gina Rancaño, BA.
Revised on
November 4, 2024.
Liar is the correct spelling when referring to someone who is deceitful or untruthful (e.g., “Geez, you’re such a liar!”). More often than not, lier is an incorrect spelling of this word. Although technically a real, albeit rare, word, “lier” refers to someone or something in a horizontal position (e.g., “He’s lying down, so he’s technically a lier”).
“Lier” and “liar” are both derived from the verb “lie.” However, “lier” is associated with the meaning “to be or put oneself in a reclined position on a surface,” while “liar” is associated with the meaning “to make a dishonest statement.”
“Lier” is an uncommon noun that refers to someone or something lying in a reclined position, sometimes waiting to ambush. It’s so rare that some dictionaries don’t even include it, and many spell checkers mark it as incorrect.
To reiterate, the use of this word is exceedingly rare, making it unlikely to be encountered regularly. You are more likely to come across it as a misspelling of the word “liar.”
“Liar” is a noun that refers to a person who tells lies or is habitually dishonest. For example, someone who constantly deceives others about how much work they did on a group project is a liar.
“Lair,” which is spelled similarly to “liar,” is a noun that refers to the resting place of a wild animal (e.g., “We found the coyote hiding in a lair”) but can also refer to someone’s secret hiding spot (e.g., “I used to imagine that my room was Batman’s lair”).
Gina holds a Bachelor of Arts in English, as well as a certificate in professional and public writing from Florida International University. When she’s not writing, she spends her time reading.