There are multiple definitions of lying. Some people would use the stricter form of 'making a knowingly false statement', and those people are likely to confide

There are multiple definitions of lying. Some people would use the stricter form of 'making a knowingly false statement', and those people are likely to confidently denied they lied when they were accused lying, when they think they only not telling the whole truth. John Mearsheimer's book "Why Leaders Lie" has a great definition on three forms of deception [1]: * Lying - Making a knowingly false statement to deceive * Spinning - Emphasis / de-emphasis certain parts of fact to tell a favorable story * Concealment - Hiding certain facts to deceive If I detect someone is "lying" (in your broader definition) I would now use the word 'dishonest' instead. [1] https://www.forbes.com/sites/sap/2013/05/20/deceiving-without-lying/?sh=6ee834b23b49 https://www.forbes.com/sites/sap/2013/05/20/deceiving-withou...