mentida

Mentida is a term used in Spanish and Portuguese that derives from the verb mentir (to lie). In both languages, mentida principally functions as the feminine form of the past participle mentido and is commonly employed as an adjective meaning false, deceptive, or fabricated. It is typically found in phrases such as información mentida (false information) or afirmaciones mentidas (false statements). In everyday language, the more standard noun for a lie is mentira; mentida is less common as a standalone noun and is more likely to appear as an adjective or in dialectal or literary uses.

In Portuguese and Spanish alike, mentida can describe claims, statements, or objects that have been lied about or are not true. The word often conveys a sense of deliberate deceit, depending on context. While mentira remains the primary noun for a lie, mentida is frequently used where a feminine agreement with a preceding noun is required or where a stylistic emphasis on deceit is intended.

Etymology traces mentida back to the verb mentir, itself from Latin mentiri, meaning to lie. The related forms in both languages include the masculine mentido and the feminine mentida, which give rise to adjectival uses and, less commonly, to noun-like expressions in certain dialects or literary forms.

Related terms include mentir (to lie), mentira (lie), and engano (deception). Mentida can be contrasted with more neutral or mild terms such as falso or engaño, depending on degree of deceit and formality.