Cool MateMeaning of Lay
In simple words: To put something down flat.
Lay in a sentence
- Please lay the book on the table.
- He decided to lay his cards on the table and be honest with her.
- She likes to lay in the sun on warm days.
- Cats often lay on their owner's lap.
- They plan to lay a new foundation for the building next week.
How to use Lay
Use 'lay' when placing objects down. It is not appropriate to use 'lay' for living things, like people or animals. People often confuse 'lay' and 'lie'.
Grammar pattern
lay + object
Memory hint
Think of 'laying' a book down flat on a table.
Related words
Common mistakes with Lay
- 'Lay' is incorrectly used instead of 'lie' when referring to reclining.
- Confusing past tense forms: 'laid' is the past of 'lay' but learners often use 'layed'.
- 'Lay' is sometimes used as if it can take a subject, such as 'I lay here.' instead of 'I lie here.'
Lay appears in
Lay in other languages
- Arabicالعربية
يضع
وضع شيء مسطح.
- Bengaliবাংলা
রাখা, শোয়ানো
কিছু সমতলভাবে রাখা।
- GermanDeutsch
legen, hinlegen
Etwas flach hinlegen.
- SpanishEspañol
Colocar
Poner algo plano.
- Persianفارسی
گذاشتن، خواباندن
چیزی را صاف گذاشتن.
- FrenchFrançais
poser, mettre
Poser quelque chose à plat.
- Hindiहिन्दी
लेटाना, रखना
किसी चीज़ को सपाट रखना।
- ItalianItaliano
Mettere giù, Posare
Mettere qualcosa giù in piano.
- PortuguesePortuguês
Pôr, Colocar
Colocar algo deitado.
- RussianРусский
Класть, положить
Положить что-то плашмя.
- Urduاردو
رکھنا، ڈالنا
کسی چیز کو چپٹا رکھنا۔
- Chinese中文
放置
把东西平放下来。
More words like Lay
- SetB1
To put something in a specific place or position.
- Place
- AbandonB2
To leave someone or something and never return to them.
- AbilityA2
the fact that somebody/something is able to do something
- AbleA2
having the skill, intelligence, opportunity, etc. needed to do something
- AbroadA2
In or to a country that is not one's own.
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Frequently asked questions about Lay
What does Lay mean?
To put something down flat.
What is the definition of Lay?
to put somebody/something in a particular position, especially when it is done gently or carefully
How do you use Lay in a sentence?
Please lay the book on the table.
Can you give another example of Lay?
He decided to lay his cards on the table and be honest with her.
What are synonyms for Lay?
Common alternatives include set, place.
What is the opposite of Lay?
Opposite meanings include raise, lift.
What words go with Lay?
It commonly pairs with nicely, well, clearly, on, over, nicely, well, clearly, on, over, nicely, well, clearly, on, over.
What are common mistakes when using Lay?
'Lay' is incorrectly used instead of 'lie' when referring to reclining. Confusing past tense forms: 'laid' is the past of 'lay' but learners often use 'layed'. 'Lay' is sometimes used as if it can take a subject, such as 'I lay here.' instead of 'I lie here.'
How do you pronounce Lay?
US: /["/leɪ/","/leɪz/","/leɪd/","/ˈleɪɪŋ/"]/, UK: /["/leɪ/","/leɪz/","/leɪd/","/ˈleɪɪŋ/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.
When should I use Lay?
Use 'lay' when placing objects down. It is not appropriate to use 'lay' for living things, like people or animals. People often confuse 'lay' and 'lie'.
What CEFR level is Lay?
"Lay" is at B1 level on the CEFR scale.