Mendacity” and “mendicity” are two words that sound similar but have distinct meanings. “Mendacity” refers to a tendency to lie or be dishonest, while “mendicity” relates to the act of begging.

Mendacity

Definition:

Mendacity” is a noun that means lying or being untruthful. It refers to a lack of honesty or a tendency toward falsehood.

Examples of use:

His constant mendacity made it hard for anyone to trust him.

The lawyer accused the witness of mendacity during the trial.

There was an undeniable air of mendacity about the politician’s speech.

Mendicity

Definition:

Mendicity” is a noun that refers to the act of begging or living as a beggar. It is often used in a legal or social context to describe vagrancy or panhandling.

Examples of use:

The new city ordinance aims to reduce mendicity in public areas.

He was arrested for mendicity after repeatedly asking strangers for money.

The charity was established to help people move away from a life of mendicity.


Although “mendacity” and “mendicity” sound similar, they have entirely different meanings. “Mendacity” refers to dishonesty or deceitfulness, while “mendicity” relates to the act of begging. Understanding these differences is crucial for precise communication, especially in legal or formal writing.

Learn English