‘Lier' or 'Liar': What's the Difference Between the Two?

Are you wondering whether to spell it ‘lier’ or ‘liar’? We can help clear that up, plus teach you how to use the correct spelling in a sentence.

In short, ‘liar’ is someone who isn’t telling the truth. A ‘lier’ is a person or object that’s lying in a horizontal position.

Is It ‘Liar’ or ‘Lier’?  

As you just learned, both words are correct to use. Whether it’s the correct usage will depend on the context.

‘Lier’ or ‘Liar’? What’s the Difference Between the Two?

The difference between the two words is that ‘lier’ refers to a person or object lying in a horizontal position.

A ‘liar’ is someone who’s not telling the truth – they’re lying.

These words sound exactly the same but mean different things, making them homophones. That means they cannot be used interchangeably.

Definition and Meaning of ‘Lier’

So what does ‘lier’ mean?

According to Merriam-Webster, the word means one that lies (as in ambush).

It could also mean someone lying down in a horizontal position or an object in the same position.

Definition and Meaning of ‘Liar’ 

Now, we’ll look at ‘liar.’

According to Merriam-Webster, the definition of this word is a person who tells lies. In other words, someone who isn’t telling the truth or who fails to tell the truth.

That person would be called a ‘liar.’

Pronunciation: How to Pronounce ‘Lier’ and ‘Liar’

Unsure of how to pronounce the words? Here’s a short guide.

• To pronounce both words (they sound the same), say it like this: LY-UHR.

How to Use ‘Lier’ in a Sentence

Since we already know what both words mean and how to pronounce them, let’s look at some examples of how to use them in a sentence.

• The school bully became a lier, waiting for his victims every day.
• The army has a few liers stationed around the entire border of the base.
• Why aren’t you joining the other liers in protest of the terrible conditions here?
• Still in bed, my brother was a lier for the entire morning. My mom eventually made him get up.
• We’ve got a few liers out here on the student lawn. I was hoping you’d come to escort them back to class.
• There’s a lier in there on the floor. I don’t know what to do with her.

How to Use ‘Liar’ in a Sentence

Now, let’s take a look at some examples of how to use ‘liar’ in a sentence.

• You’re such a liar. I’m never going to trust you again.
• Everyone thinks you’re a liar. You better not go back in there.
• Have you ever been called a liar? It’s not the greatest feeling.
• You’re a liar. Therefore, I find it hard to believe or trust anything you say.
• She’s always been a liar. She told people she had a rich aunt, which was a lie.
• We found out how much of a liar Sally is at dinner.

Final Thoughts on ‘Lier’ and ‘Liar’

Now that you know what both words mean, you should feel comfortable enough using them both in a sentence correctly.

If you ever get stuck, you can always come back here for a quick refresher. We’ve got a ton of other content dedicated to explaining confusing words and phrases in the English language. Go check it out sometime.