Need another word for Lay? Use these synonyms of Lay from our thesaurus to say it differently.
Synonyms & Similar Words
put
place
position
set
locate
situate
deposit
lay down
recline
rest
pose
arrange
dispose
set down
settle
sit
lie
repose
put down
station
plant
install
fix
impose
enjoin
command
instruct
direct
order
require
obligate
bind
compel
coerce
force
constrain
press
urge
persuade
induce
prevail
put
impose
inflict
exact
enforce
mete
dispense
administer
deal
allocate
assign
allot
apportion
distribute
dispense
bestow
confer
grant
give
donate
bequeath
will
leave
devise
lay out
expend
disburse
pay
spend
lay off
dismiss
fire
terminate
release
discharge
lay on
apply
impose
inflict
mete
exact
enforce
dispense
administer.
Meaning of Lay
The primary meaning of the word "lay" is to put or place something down, either in a physical sense, such as laying a book on a table, or in a more abstract sense, like laying down rules or laws.
Definitions
- To put or place something down, typically in a careful or deliberate manner
- To cause something to be in a particular position or situation
- To impose or enforce a rule, law, or penalty
- To provide or supply something, such as food or a meal
- To put or place oneself down, typically to rest or sleep
Etymology of Lay
The word "lay" has its roots in Old English "lecgan", which is also the source of the Modern English word "lie"
The word has been used in the English language since the 9th century, with various meanings and connotations evolving over time
In Middle English, "lay" was used to translate Latin "ponere", which meant "to put" or "to place"
The word has also been influenced by Old Norse "leggia", which meant "to lay" or "to put"
Example Uses
- She laid the book on the table and walked away
- The company will lay off hundreds of employees due to financial difficulties
- The teacher laid down the rules for the classroom
- The city laid on a banquet to celebrate the visiting dignitaries
- He laid himself down on the grass to take a nap
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
raise
lift
pick
take
remove
withdraw
extract
elevate
erect
construct
build
create
establish
found
start
initiate
begin
rise
stand
sit
get
gather
collect
pick
pluck
cull
harvest
reap
lift
hoist
heave
haul
pull
tug
raise
erect
construct
assemble
manufacture
produce
generate
make
form
fashion
shape
mold
build
create.