lay1
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- pronunciation:
- leI
- phrases:
- lay off, lay out
- features:
- Note
| part of speech: |
verb |
| inflections: |
lays, laying, laid |
| definition 1: |
to put something down so that it is flat against a surface.
Please lay the tablecloth on the table.It was cold, so we laid another blanket on the bed.
- synonyms:
- place, put, set
- similar words:
- assign, deposit
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| definition 2: |
to produce an egg.
The hen laid an egg.- synonyms:
- bear, produce
- similar words:
- afford, create, make, yield
|
| phrase: |
lay off, lay out |
lay or lie?
Lay means to put or place something on a flat surface.
Lie means to be or stay in a flat position. These words are easy to confuse because their meanings are similar and the past tense of
lie is
lay.Compare:
- Lay the mail on the table.
- He laid the mail on the table.
- Lie down if you are tired.
- Yesterday, I lay down for a short rest.