lay (B1)

verb

Pronunciation: /leɪ/

Definition

To put or place something down gently or carefully.

Examples

• She carefully laid the baby in the crib.

• He laid his keys on the counter.

• The waiter laid the plates on the table.

How to Use lay

lay down (phrasal verb)

To put something down, often gently or carefully. — "She laid down her tools after a long day of work."

lay off (phrasal verb)

To dismiss an employee, usually temporarily, because there is not enough work. — "The factory had to lay off workers due to a lack of orders."

lay aside (phrasal verb)

To save or put something away for future use. — "He decided to lay aside some money for a rainy day."

lay out (phrasal verb)

To arrange or plan something in a detailed way. — "The designer laid out the entire marketing strategy."

lay eggs (collocation)

For a female bird or reptile to produce eggs. — "The hen is expected to lay eggs soon."

Synonyms of lay

Words with a similar meaning to lay:

• place
• put
• set
• position

Antonyms of lay

Words with the opposite meaning to lay:

• lift
• raise
• pick up

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