What is a lie?

A lie is a statement that isn't true. It is told on purpose, to make others believe something that is false. Sometimes people tell what are called "white lies," which are generally told to avoid hurting someone's feelings. If your grandma asks if you like her cookies, for example, you might say yes even though they tasted like cardboard. While your motives may be pure, it's still best to tell the truth in as gentle a way as possible, or, in the cookie example, to redirect the conversation by pointing out something your grandma makes that you really do like. Most people would rather know they can count on you to give an honest answer than suspect that you might be saying something just to make them feel good.