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DictionaryRoot: be-
Old English

be-

around; thoroughly; make or affect

Forms

  • be-

Origin

Proto-Germanic *bi, ‘by; near; around.’

Note

Often turns a noun or adjective into a verb meaning to treat something in that way.

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A brightly polished wooden box appears sound outside but an open cutaway reveals badly decayed interior; outward appearance gives a false impression, no deceptive person stereotype.
verb

belie

bih-LYE/bɪˈlaɪ/

To give an impression that hides or contradicts the truth.

Etymology
beOld Englisharound; thoroughly; make or affect
+lieOld Englishto deceive, tell lies

Originally meaning “deceive by lies,” belie also describes misleading appearances: something can give a false impression without anyone making a false statement.

Full entry

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