mendacity

UK: menˈdæsɪti | US: menˈdæsɪti

Definition

  1. n. the tendency to lie or deceive; untruthfulness

Structure
mendac <lie>ity <noun suffix>
Etymology

mendacity = mendac<lie> + ity<noun suffix>

  • mendac (from Latin mendax "lying, false," related to mendum "fault, defect")
  • ity (noun-forming suffix indicating state or quality, from Latin -itas)

Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to Latin mendax, meaning "lying," which itself derives from mendum (a fault or defect). The suffix -ity transforms it into an abstract noun, reflecting the quality of dishonesty. The evolution highlights how deception was historically linked to "faultiness" or moral flaws.

Examples

  1. His mendacity made it impossible to trust his promises.

  2. The politician's mendacity was exposed by investigative journalists.

  3. She despised the mendacity of the corporate world.

  4. The trial revealed a shocking level of mendacity among the witnesses.

  5. Mendacity often erodes relationships over time.