Literary notes about belie (AI summary)
In literature, the word “belie” is deployed to contrast outward appearances with an underlying truth or reality. Authors often use it to indicate that a person or thing does not fully represent what is expected from its external attributes, suggesting a disjunction between what is seen and what is true ([1], [2]). In dramatic dialogue, as in Shakespeare’s lines ([3], [4]), it becomes a sharp accusation of deceit or misrepresentation, while in narrative prose, it can underscore ironic mismatches between reputation and actual qualities ([5], [6]). This nuanced use adds layers of meaning to characterizations and situations, inviting readers to question the reliability of first impressions.
- He does not belie his looks, for he possesses these qualifications in a high degree.
— from Popular Adventure Tales by Mayne Reid - The latter's aspect did not belie his reputation.
— from The Spirit of the Border: A Romance of the Early Settlers in the Ohio Valley by Zane Grey - EMILIA Thou dost belie her, and thou art a devil.
— from Othello, the Moor of Venice by William Shakespeare - Thou dost belie her, and thou art a devil.
— from The Complete Works of William Shakespeare by William Shakespeare - The admission of that, he replied, would belie our former admissions.
— from Protagoras by Plato - Yes, he was decidedly mean-looking, nor did his character, as it came out, belie his appearance.
— from The Boy's Own Book of Indoor Games and RecreationsA Popular Encyclopædia for Boys by Gordon Stables