Lay is often used where lie is considered standard, as in "I'm going to lay down for a quick nap." The use, which dates to the 14th century, troubled no one until the 18th, but since then, people who care …

LAY definition: 1. to put something in especially a flat or horizontal position, usually carefully or for a…. Learn more.

LAY definition: to put or place in a horizontal position or position of rest; set down. See examples of lay used in a sentence.

Lay is used with some nouns in expressions about accusing or blaming someone. For example, if you lay the blame for a mistake on someone, you say it is their fault, or if the police lay charges against …

The past tense of lie is lay, but not because there is any overlap between the two verbs. So when you say, “I lay down for a nap,” you’re actually using the verb lie, not lay, despite the way it sounds.

Sep 20, 2025 · Confused between lay or lie? Learn quick rules, examples, tables, and common mistakes to master correct grammar in simple steps.

1. To give up; abandon: lay aside all hope of rescue. 2. To save for the future: laid aside money for a vacation.

Lay is a transitive verb and requires a direct object when used properly in a sentence. By definition, it means to place (or put) something or someone down in a resting position.

Mar 4, 2026 · One is that the form lay was also originally used as both the base form of lay and as the simple past of lie. Another is the use of lay as a reflexive verb meaning “to go lie (down)”.

Definition of lay verb in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.