The transitive verb belie means (1) to give false representation to, (2) to show [something] to be false, or (3) to contradict. Some writers, possibly confusing belie with betray, misuse belie to mean the opposite. For example, betray would make more sense than belie in these sentences:
For example, we claim that we want Jesus to remain “the reason for the season,” but our actions belie a different focus. [Huffington Post]
Devlin points to a number of lyrical inaccuracies in the transcription of the songs, some of which belie a lack of cultural knowledge or context. [The Economist]
It is one of a growing number of social and economic problems that belie the separation of the world into developed and developing. [Guardian]
These authors use belie correctly:
Katy Perry stole the show, using her ditzy persona to belie the whip-smart pop sense of her glitzy production. [Boston Globe]
Statistics for the past two years seem to belie the opinion of some “experts” that the recession is over. [North Fork Patch]
Assistant Dean of Student Life Susan B. Marine … says that the recent incidents belie a generally positive community setting. [The Harvard Crimson]
