lays
|lays|
/leɪz/
(lay)
to place
Etymology
'lay' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'lecgan' (also seen as 'lǣġan'), where the root meant 'to place, put down'.
'lay' changed from Old English 'lecgan' (and is related to Old Norse 'leggja' and Germanic forms) and eventually became the modern English 'lay' through Middle English.
Initially it meant 'to place or put down', and this basic sense has largely remained in modern usage; some noun senses (for example 'lay' meaning 'song' from Old French 'lai') developed separately.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
plural form of 'lay' — narrative song or ballad; a short medieval or lyrical poem (plural: lays).
He collected old lays about local heroes.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Verb 1
third-person singular present form of 'lay' — to put or place something down in a specified position (transitive).
She lays the book on the table every night.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2026/01/10 04:32