lay

/lˈe‌ɪ/

/ˈɫeɪ/

to lay

MAIN VERB

to carefully put something or someone down

synonyms : put down

1.1

to put or place something in a certain position or location

synonyms : place

(of a bird, insect, fish, etc.) to produce eggs

prepare or position for action or operation

impose as a duty, burden, or punishment

to set or install something in place, such as laying bricks or tiles

lay

characteristic of those who are not members of the clergy

synonyms : laic

not of or from a profession

Lay

a narrative poem of popular origin

synonyms : ballad

a narrative song with a recurrent refrain

synonyms : ballad

Examples

1. The chicken laid an egg in the nesting box.

2. Careful planning laid the foundations for the nation’s economic miracle.

3. Her early research laid the foundation for many important medical discoveries.

4. The chicken laid a fresh egg in the nesting box.