The definitions of lying, fibbing, and keeping secrets are related to communication and truthfulness, but they have distinct nuances in their meanings.
Lying: Lying refers to intentionally making false statements with the intent to deceive or mislead others. It involves deliberately saying something that is not true, with the knowledge that it is untrue, in order to conceal the truth or manipulate a situation. Lying is considered dishonest and can lead to a loss of trust in relationships.
Fibbing: "Fibbing" is a less severe form of lying and is often used to describe telling a small, inconsequential lie or a white lie. A fib is typically a minor or harmless untruth, usually told to avoid hurting someone's feelings, to avoid an awkward situation, or to keep something trivial private. While fibbing is still a form of deception, it is generally seen as less harmful than outright lying.
Keeping secrets: "Keeping secrets" involves withholding information deliberately and intentionally. Unlike lying, which involves providing false information, keeping secrets involves remaining silent about certain facts or details. People may keep secrets for various reasons, such as protecting someone's privacy, maintaining confidentiality, avoiding conflicts, or safeguarding sensitive information. While keeping secrets might not always be dishonest, it can lead to trust issues if the undisclosed information is important or relevant to the relationship.
In summary, lying involves actively stating false information, fibbing entails telling small untruths that are often harmless, and keeping secrets means withholding information without necessarily providing false details. All three actions involve elements of deception, and the appropriateness of each depends on the context and the potential impact on relationships and trust.