What does lay mean?
Lay is a versatile English word best known as a transitive verb meaning to put or place something down: a person lays a book on a table, lays a claim, or lays plans. Its past tense is laid, as in “The committee laid out its proposal.” Lay also functions as an adjective describing someone without specialized professional training, as in “a lay reader” or “a lay opinion.” In older literary English, it can additionally mean to lie or be situated, though this use is less common today. The word is especially memorable because of its relationship with lie: one lays an object down, but one lies down oneself. Familiar expressions such as “lay claim,” “lay plans,” and “lay the groundwork” show how extensively the verb is used in formal and public contexts.
To put, place, set down, or arrange something.
"Lay the map flat on the desk."
The past tense and past participle are “laid.” In older literary use, lay can also mean to lie or be situated.
Nonprofessional, ordinary, or not trained in a specialized field.
"The panel included experts and members of the lay public."
Often used attributively in expressions such as “lay opinion,” “lay reader,” and “lay member.”
One small word carries a famous distinction: you lay something down, while you lie down yourself.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does lay come from?
The verb developed from Middle English leyen and Old English lecgan, meaning to set or place down; its Old English form was a causative related to the Germanic verb meaning to lie. Cognates include German legen, Dutch leggen, Icelandic leggja, and English lie. The adjective has a separate history, coming through French from a word derived from Greek laikos, meaning pertaining to the people or laity.
Related word forms
How lay is actually used
The verb is transitive in its standard modern sense: it takes an object such as a book, claim, or plan. Its past tense and past participle are “laid,” not “layed.” The adjective is commonly used in expressions involving an opinion, reader, member, or person with no professional training.
Easily confused with lay
Lay means to put or place something down, whereas lie means to rest in a particular position; lay is also the past tense of lie.