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to lay
01
to carefully place something or someone down in a horizontal position
Transitive: to lay sth somewhere
Examples
She decided to lay the fragile vase on the soft cushion to prevent it from breaking.
The parent gently laid the sleeping baby in the crib.
02
(of a bird, insect, fish, etc.) to produce eggs
Transitive: to lay eggs
Examples
The hen laid a dozen eggs in the nesting box yesterday.
Each year, the sea turtle returns to the same beach to lay its eggs in the sand.
03
to make preparations or get something ready for a specific action or operation
Transitive: to lay plans or preparations
Examples
Let 's lay the groundwork for the project by researching and gathering relevant information.
It 's important to lay the foundation for a successful career by acquiring relevant skills and experience.
04
to place or enforce an obligation upon someone or something
Transitive: to lay an obligation on sb/sth
Examples
The government decided to lay heavier taxes on luxury goods to boost revenue.
The judge will lay a hefty fine on the corporation for environmental violations.
05
to set or install something in place, such as laying bricks or tiles
Transitive: to lay sth
Examples
He spent the weekend laying new carpet in the living room.
The mason will lay the bricks carefully to ensure a sturdy wall.
06
to have sexual intercourse
SlangExamples
He hopes to lay tonight.
They laid after a long date.
lay
01
relating to or characteristic of people who are not members of the clergy
Examples
The church relies on lay volunteers for many activities.
Lay members of the congregation attended the meeting.
02
not belonging to or derived from a specific profession
Examples
The report was written for a lay audience.
Lay observers may not understand technical jargon.
Lay
01
a narrative poem, often of popular or traditional origin, recounting stories in verse
Examples
The bard recited an old lay about knights and dragons.
Medieval lays often told tales of love and heroism.
02
a narrative song, typically with a recurring refrain, telling a story through music
Examples
The minstrel sang a lay of the sea voyage.
Lays with refrains were popular in medieval courts.
Lexical Tree
inlay
layer
laying
lay
