What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
belie
Example
Her smile belies the sadness she feels inside. [belie: verb]
Example
The calm exterior of the lake belies the strong currents underneath. [belies: present tense]
contradict
Example
His statement contradicts the evidence presented in court. [contradicts: verb]
Example
She contradicted herself by saying one thing and then doing the opposite. [contradicted: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Contradict is more commonly used than belie in everyday language. Contradict is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts to describe conflicts or inconsistencies. Belie, on the other hand, is less common and is typically used in more specific situations where appearance or actions are misleading.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between belie and contradict?
Both belie and contradict can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, contradict is more commonly used in formal settings where factual inconsistencies need to be addressed, while belie is often used in more casual or literary contexts to describe the discrepancy between appearance and reality.
