lay
Translation
to put, to place, to lay (eggs)
Examples
Please lay the book on the table.
Please lay the book on the table.
The hen lays an egg every day.
The hen lays an egg every day.
They will lay the foundation tomorrow.
They will lay the foundation tomorrow.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) ((somewhere)) to put (sth.) in a certain place Please lay your keys on the counter.
((an egg)) to produce an egg The chicken laid an egg.
Similar Words
Synonyms: place, put, set; Commonly confused with: lie (to recline)
Etymology
From Old English 'lecgan', meaning 'to place'.
Memory Tips
'Lay' is a transitive verb, so it always needs an object. You lay *something* down. 'Lie' is intransitive.