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lay1
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- pronunciation:
- leI
- parts of speech:
- verb, noun
- features:
- Word Combinations (verb), 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
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| 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
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| definition 3: |
to give or put.
He lays the blame for the accident on me.- synonyms:
- attribute
- similar words:
- allot, assign, dispense, inflict, put
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| 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
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| definition 5: |
to produce an egg.
The hen laid an egg.- synonyms:
- bear, deposit, produce
- similar words:
- afford, create, make, spawn, yield
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| 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
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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.
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