What's the Difference Between 'Liar' and 'Lier'?

In this blog post we look at when to use liar and when to use lier.

'Liar' or 'Lier'?

Liar and lier are two words that are often confused due to their similarities in spelling and origin. Both words are derived from the verb "to lie," but they have distinct meanings and uses.

A liar is someone who tells falsehoods or intentionally deceives others.

It is a noun that refers to a person who habitually tells lies. For example, "She is a liar, you can't trust anything she says." In this context, a liar is someone who is dishonest or untruthful.

Lier, on the other hand, is a rarely used word which refers to a person or thing which lays or settles in a horizontal position.

The Merriam-Webster dictionary also defines the word lier to be “one that lies (as in ambush).”

It's important to note that since "lier" is such an infrequently used word, that if you come across it, it’s likely to be a misspelling of the word "liar."

Most people are looking for the word "liar" when they type "lier" into a search engine or when they're writing something. So, it's essential to be aware of the difference between these two words to ensure that you're using the correct one in your writing.

In summary, liar is a commonly used noun which refers to a person who tells falsehoods or intentionally deceives others, while lier is a rarely used word meaning person or thing which rests horizontally. It is often written as a misspelling of the word liar.

Being aware of the difference between these two words is crucial to ensure clear and effective communication in writing.

Here are some examples of the words “liar” and “lier” in context:

  1. "He is a liar, I can't believe anything he says." - In this sentence, "liar" is used as a noun referring to a person who habitually tells lies.

  2. "The couch is a lier, it is comfortable to lie on it" - In this sentence, "lier" is used as a noun referring to a thing which lays or settles in a horizontal position.

  3. "He is a professional liar and you can't trust anything he says." - In this sentence, "liar" is used as a noun referring to a person who is skilled in deception and habitually tells lies.

  4. "I have to lie down on the bed, it's a good lier." - In this sentence, "lier" is used as a noun referring to a thing which provides a comfortable position for someone to lie on.

  5. She was caught in a lie and now everyone knows she's a liar." - In this sentence, "liar" is used as a noun referring to a person who has been caught in a deception and is known to tell falsehoods.

  6. "I am looking for a lier where I can take a nap" - In this sentence, "lier" is used as a noun referring to a place where someone can lay or settle in a horizontal position.

Examples of Liar in a Sentence

  1. "He is a notorious liar, you can't trust anything he says."

  2. "I can't believe she would be so dishonest, she's a complete liar."

  3. "He got caught in a lie and now he's known as the office liar."

  4. "She's always been a pathological liar, it's hard to know what's true."

  5. "I don't want to associate with someone who is a known liar."

  6. "He was caught red-handed and now everyone knows he's a liar."

  7. "I can't believe you fell for his lies, he's a professional liar."

  8. "I don't trust her, she has a history of being a habitual liar."

  9. "His story doesn't add up, I think he's a liar."

  10. "She lied to me and now I can't trust her, she's a liar."


Liar or Lier
Liar or Lier

Sources:

https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/lier

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lier