fib
/fib/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A trivial or insignificant lie: A "fib" is a small, often harmless lie, typically told to avoid minor trouble or to be polite.
- Verb:
- To tell a trivial lie: The action of telling a small, relatively unimportant falsehood.
Usage
- As a Noun: Used to refer to the lie itself.
- As a Verb: Used to describe the act of telling such a lie. It is often used in informal contexts.
Examples
- Noun:
- He told a fib about eating his spinach to avoid finishing his dinner.
- It was just a little fib to spare her feelings.
- Verb:
- She fibbed about her age to get the child's discount.
- Children sometimes fib when they are afraid of getting into trouble.
Advanced Usage
- "To tell a little white fib": This phrase emphasizes that the lie is considered harmless or told for a polite or kind reason.
- I told a little white fib and said I loved the gift, even though I didn't.
- The verb "fib" is often used in the continuous form ("fibbing") to describe the ongoing act or habit.
- Fibbing is not acceptable, even if you don't call it lying.
Variants and Related Words
- Fibber (noun): A person who tells fibs.
- Don't be such a fibber; tell me the truth.
- Fibbing (gerund/noun): The act of telling fibs.
Synonyms
- White lie (noun): A harmless or trivial lie, often told to avoid hurting someone's feelings.
- Untruth (noun): A more formal word for a lie or false statement.
Antonyms
- Truth (noun): A fact or belief that is accepted as true.
- Honesty (noun): The quality of being honest and truthful.
Noun
- a trivial lie
- he told a fib about eating his spinach
- how can I stop my child from telling stories?
Verb
- tell a relatively insignificant lie
- Fibbing is not acceptable, even if you don't call it lying