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lay1

lay1

 
 
pronunciation:
leI
parts of speech:
verb, noun
features:
Note
part of speech: verb
inflections: lays, laying, laid
definition 1: to place, put, or spread (something long or flat) over a surface.
He laid the pencil on the table.
 
synonyms:
place, put, set
similar words:
assign, deposit, position, seat, stick
definition 2: to place or put down in a flattened position.
She will lay the carpet herself.
synonyms:
even, flatten, level
similar words:
dispose, install, plane, smooth
definition 3: to give or put.
He lays the blame for the accident on me.
synonyms:
attribute
similar words:
allot, assign, dispense, inflict, put
definition 4: to think of or come up with.
The generals laid their plans for the next attack.
synonyms:
conceive, devise, frame, plan
similar words:
articulate, contrive, define, invent, prepare
definition 5: to produce an egg.
The hen laid an egg.
synonyms:
bear, deposit, produce
similar words:
afford, create, make, spawn, yield
 
part of speech: noun
definition: the way in which land is arranged or formed.
He hiked around for a week to become familiar with the lay of the park.
synonyms:
composition, contour, design, form, scheme, structure
similar words:
figure, formation, order, outline, shape, topography
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.