What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
mendacity
Example
The politician's mendacity was exposed when evidence of his corruption was revealed. [mendacity: noun]
Example
Her mendacity was evident when she lied about her qualifications on her resume. [mendacity: noun]
lying
Example
He was caught lying about his whereabouts on the night of the crime. [lying: verb]
Example
She has a reputation for lying and cannot be trusted. [lying: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Lying is more commonly used than mendacity in everyday language, making it a more accessible word for ESL learners to use in conversation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between mendacity and lying?
Mendacity is a more formal word than lying and is typically used in more serious or academic contexts.
