What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
lies
Example
He told lies to cover up his mistake. [lies: noun]
Example
She lies about her age to appear younger. [lies: verb]
deception
Example
The magician used deception to make the audience believe in his illusions. [deception: noun]
Example
She deceived him into believing that she was interested in him. [deceived: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Lies is a more common word than deception in everyday language. Lies are used more frequently in casual conversation, while deception is more commonly used in formal or professional contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between lies and deception?
Deception is a more formal and technical term than lies. It is often used in legal, academic, or business contexts to describe intentional acts of misleading or manipulating someone. Lies, on the other hand, can be used in both formal and informal contexts.