Word forms: plural, 3rd person singular presenttense lays, present participle laying, past tense, past participle laidIn standard English, the form lay is also the past tense of the verb lie1 in some meanings. In informal English, people sometimes use the word lay instead of lie1 in those meanings.
1. verb
If you lay something somewhere, you put it there in a careful, gentle, or neat way.
Lay a sheet of newspaper on the floor. [VERB noun preposition/adverb]
My father's working bench was covered with a cloth and his coffin was laid there. [beVERB-ed preposition/adverb]
Mothers routinely lay babies on their backs to sleep. [VERB noun preposition/adverb]
Synonyms: place, put, set, spread More Synonyms of lay
2. verb
If you lay the table or lay the places at a table, you arrange the knives, forks, and other things that people need on the table before a meal.
[mainly British]
The butler always laid the table. [VERB noun]
regional note: in AM, use set
3. verb
If you lay something such as carpets, cables, or foundations, you put them into their permanent position.
A man came to lay the saloon carpet. [VERB noun]
Public utilities dig up roads to lay pipes. [VERB noun]
4. verb
To lay a trap means to prepare it in order to catch someone or something.
They were laying a trap for the kidnapper. [VERB noun]
Synonyms: devise, plan, design, prepare More Synonyms of lay
5. verb
When a female bird lays an egg, it produces an egg by pushing it out of its body.
My canary has laid an egg. [VERB noun]
Freezing weather in spring hampered the hens' ability to lay. [VERB]
Synonyms: produce, bear, deposit More Synonyms of lay
6. verb
Lay is used with some nouns to talk about making official preparations for something. For example, if you lay the basis for something or lay plans for it, you prepare it carefully.
Diplomats meeting in Chile have laid the groundwork for far-reaching environmentalregulations. [VERB noun]
The organisers meet in March to lay plans. [VERB noun]
Synonyms: arrange, prepare, make, organize More Synonyms of lay
7. verb
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 someone, they officially accuse that person of a crime.
She refused to lay the blame on any one party. [VERB noun preposition]
He could not bear to lay responsibility for the unhappiness of his later years onhis own shoulders. [VERB noun preposition]
Police have decided not to lay charges over allegations of a phone tapping operation. [VERB noun]
Synonyms: attribute, charge, assign, allocate More Synonyms of lay
8. verb
If you say that you would lay bets, odds, or money on something happening, you mean that you are very confident that it will happen.
[informal]
I wouldn't lay bets on his still remaining manager after the spring. [V n on n/-ing]
I'll lay odds that Dean is at your office right now. [VERB noun that]
Synonyms: bet, stake, venture, gamble More Synonyms of lay
9. verb [VERB noun]
To lay someone means to have sex with them.
[rude]
10. countable noun [usually adjective NOUN]
Lay is used in expressions such a good lay or an easy lay to describe what someone is like as a sexual partner.
[rude]
11.
See to lay it on thick
12.
See to lay oneself open to sth
13. to lay something bare
14. to lay claim to something
15. to lay something at someone's door
16. to lay eyes on something
17. to lay a finger on someone
18. to lay your hands on something
19. to lay down the law
20. to lay down your life
21. to lay something to rest
22. to lay siege to something
23. to lay waste
Phrasal verbs:
See lay aside
See lay before
See lay down
See lay in
See lay into
See lay off
See lay on
See lay out
See lay up
More Synonyms of lay
lay adjective uses
(leɪ)
1. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]
You use lay to describe people who are involved with a Christian church but are not members ofthe clergy or are not monks or nuns.
Edwards is a Methodist lay preacher and social worker.
Synonyms: nonclerical, secular, non-ordained, laic More Synonyms of lay
2. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]
You use lay to describe people who are not experts or professionals in a particular subject or activity.
It is difficult for a lay person to gain access to medical libraries.
It is not just a textbook for professional diplomats. The lay reader will enjoy theanecdotes.
Synonyms: nonspecialist, amateur, unqualified, untrained More Synonyms of lay
lay in British English1
(leɪ)
verbWord forms: lays, laying or laid (leɪd)(mainly tr)
1.
to put in a low or horizontal position; cause to lie
to lay a cover on a bed
2.
to place, put, or be in a particular state or position
he laid his finger on his lips
3. (intransitive) not standard
to be in a horizontal position; lie
he often lays in bed all the morning
4. (sometimes foll by down)
to establish as a basis
to lay a foundation for discussion
5.
to place or dispose in the proper position
to lay a carpet
6.
to arrange (a table) for eating a meal
7.
to prepare (a fire) for lighting by arranging fuel in the grate
8. (also intr)
(of birds, esp the domestic hen) to produce (eggs)
9.
to present or put forward
he laid his case before the magistrate
10.
to impute or attribute
all the blame was laid on him
11.
to arrange, devise, or prepare
to lay a trap
12.
to place, set, or locate
the scene is laid in London
13.
to apply on or as if on a surface
to lay a coat of paint
14.
to impose as a penalty or burden
to lay a fine
15.
to make (a bet) with (someone)
I lay you five to one on Prince
16.
to cause to settle
to lay the dust
17.
to allay; suppress
to lay a rumour
18.
to bring down forcefully
to lay a whip on someone's back
19. vulgar, slang
to have sexual intercourse with
20. slang
to bet on (a horse) to lose a race
21.
to press down or make smooth
to lay the nap of cloth
22.
to cut (small trunks or branches of shrubs or trees) halfway through and bend them diagonally to form a hedge
to lay a hedge
23.
to arrange and twist together (strands) in order to form (a rope, cable, etc)
24. military
to apply settings of elevation and training to (a weapon) prior to firing
25. (foll by on) hunting
to put (hounds or other dogs) onto a scent
26. another word for inlay
27. (intr; often foll by to or out) dialect or informal
to plan, scheme, or devise
28. (intransitive) nautical
to move or go, esp into a specified position or direction
to lay close to the wind
29. lay aboard
30. lay a course
31. lay bare
32. lay hands on
33. lay hold of
34. lay oneself open
35. lay open
36. lay siege to
noun
37.
the manner or position in which something lies or is placed
38. vulgar, slang
a.
an act of sexual intercourse
b.
a sexual partner
39.
a portion of the catch or the profits from a whaling or fishing expedition
40.
the amount or direction of hoist in the strands of a rope
▶ USAGE In careful English, the verb lay is used with an object and lie without one: the soldier laid down his arms; the Queen laid a wreath; the book was lying on thetable; he was lying on the floor. In informal English, lay is frequently used for lie: the book was laying on the table. All careful writers and speakers observe the distinction even in informal contexts
Word origin
Old English lecgan; related to Gothic lagjan, Old Norse leggja
lay in British English2
(leɪ)
adjective
1.
of, involving, or belonging to people who are not clergy
2.
nonprofessional or nonspecialist; amateur
Word origin
C14: from Old French lai, from Late Latin lāicus, ultimately from Greek laos people
lay in British English3
(leɪ)
noun
1.
a ballad or short narrative poem, esp one intended to be sung
2.
a song or melody
Word origin
C13: from Old French lai, perhaps of Germanic origin
lay in British English4
(leɪ)
verb
the past tense of lie2
lay in American English1
(leɪ)
verb transitiveWord forms: laid or ˈlaying
1.
to cause to come down or fall with force; knock down, as from an erect position
a blow laid him low
2.
to cause to lie; place or put so as to be in a resting or recumbent position; deposit
often with on or in
lay the pen on the desk
3.
a.
to put down or place (bricks, carpeting, etc.) in the correct position or way for a specific purpose
b.
to cause to be situated in a particular place or condition
the scene is laid in France
c.
to establish or prepare as a basis or for use
to lay the groundwork
d.
to arrange the fuel in a fireplace for (a fire)
4.
to place; put; set
esp. of something abstract
to lay emphasis on accuracy
5.
to produce and deposit (an egg or eggs)
6.
a.
to cause to subside or settle
lay the dust
b.
to allay, suppress, overcome, or appease
to lay a ghost, lay one's fears
7.
to press or smooth down
to lay the nap of cloth
8.
to bet (a specified sum, etc.)
9.
to impose or place (a tax, penalty, etc. on or upon)
10.
to work out; devise
to lay plans
11.
to prepare (a table) for a meal; set with silverware, plates, etc.
12.
to advance, present, or assert
to lay claim to property, to lay a matter before the voters
13.
to attribute; ascribe; charge; impute
to lay the blame on someone
14.
to arrange and twist together (strands) so as to form (rope, yarn, etc.)
15. US, Slang
to have sexual intercourse with
16. Military
to aim (a gun) by adjusting its direction and elevation
verb intransitive
17.
to lay an egg or eggs
18.
to bet; wager
19.
to lie; recline
a dialectal or substandard usage
20. Dialectal
to get ready; plan
laying to rob a store
21. Nautical
to go; proceed
all hands, lay aft to the fantail!
noun
22.
the way or position in which something is situated or arranged
the lay of the land
23. US
a share in the profits of some enterprise, esp. of a whaling expedition
24.
the direction or amount of twist of the strands of a rope, cable, etc.
25. US, Informal
terms of employment, a sale, etc.
26. US, Slang
a.
an instance of sexual intercourse
b.
a person regarded as a sexual partner
27. Chiefly British, Slang
one's occupation, esp. as a criminal
Idioms:
lay about one
lay a course
lay aside
lay away
lay by
lay down
lay for
lay in
lay into
lay it on (thick)
lay off
lay on
lay oneself open
lay open
lay out
lay over
lay something on someone
lay to
lay to rest
lay up
Word origin
ME leyen, new formation < 3d pers. sing. of earlier leggen < OE lecgan, lit., to make lie (akin to Goth lagjan, Ger legen) < pt. base of OE licgan, to lie1
lay in American English2
(leɪ)
adjective
1.
of or consisting of the laity, or ordinary people, as distinguished from the clergy
2.
not belonging to or connected with a given profession; nonprofessional
a legal handbook for lay readers
Word origin
ME lai < OFr < LL(Ec) laicus, lay, not priestly < Gr laikos < laos, the people
lay in American English3
(leɪ)
verb intransitive
pt. of
lie1
lay in American English4
(leɪ)
noun
1.
a short poem, esp. a narrative poem, orig. for singing as by a medieval minstrel
2. Obsolete
a song or melody
Word origin
ME lai < OFr < Bret *laid, song, akin to Ir laod
More idioms containing
lay
lay the ghost of something
not lay a finger on someone
lay down the law
lay an egg
lay something at someone's door
get the lay of the land
lay your cards on the table
lay it on thick
lay it on with a trowel
Examples of 'lay' in a sentence
lay
Lay one leaf of smoked salmon on top of a sheet of clingfilm on the work surface.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
The council is already having to lay off 1,000 workers after cuts in grants imposed by central government.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
There are only so many ways you can lay out new maps.
The Sun (2014)
The road led them across a heath upon which huge pieces of rock lay strewn about.
The Brothers Grimm Fairy Tales (1812)
Just lay the problem out on the table and ask for help in finding a solution.
Hopkins, Tom The Guide to Greatness in Sales (1994)
Which of them is at home and who can lay claim to owning what?
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
No time like the present to lay to rest a bad idea.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
The call was from one of our lay leaders at the church.
Christianity Today (2000)
Now he can take people on and lay it short.
The Sun (2007)
But she was just as resolved to lay completely passive under him.
Kathleen E. Woodiwiss THE WOLF AND THE DOVE
But thousands booed and whistled as he entered the cemetery to lay flowers.
The Sun (2015)
He just could not lay a bat on it.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
In other languages
lay
British English: lay /leɪ/ VERB
put down When you lay something somewhere, you put it down so that it lies there.
Lay the dishes on the table.
American English: lay
Arabic: يَضَعُ
Brazilian Portuguese: colocar
Chinese: 放置
Croatian: položiti
Czech: položit
Danish: lægge
Dutch: leggen
European Spanish: poner mesa
Finnish: asettaa
French: poser
German: legen sich hinlegen
Greek: απιθώνω
Italian: stendere
Japanese: 置く
Korean: (…을) 놓다
Norwegian: legge
Polish: położyć
European Portuguese: colocar
Romanian: a așeza
Russian: класть
Latin American Spanish: poner
Swedish: ligga
Thai: วางลง
Turkish: yatırmak
Ukrainian: класти
Vietnamese: bày biện
British English: lay /leɪ/ VERB
egg When a bird lays an egg, it pushes an egg out of its body.
American English: lay
Arabic: يَبيضُ
Brazilian Portuguese: colocar
Chinese: 下蛋
Croatian: snesti
Czech: snášetvajíčka
Danish: lægge
Dutch: leggen
European Spanish: poner
Finnish: munia
French: pondre
German: legen
Greek: κάνω
Italian: deporre
Japanese: ･･･を産む
Korean: 낳다
Norwegian: legge
Polish: składać
European Portuguese: pôr
Romanian: a oua
Russian: откладывать
Latin American Spanish: poner
Swedish: lägga
Thai: วางไข่ ออกไข่
Turkish: yumurtlamak
Ukrainian: нести
Vietnamese: đẻ
British English: lay ADJECTIVE
You use lay to describe people who are involved with a Christian church but are not members of the clergy or are not monks or nuns.
He is a Methodist lay preacher and social worker.
American English: lay
Brazilian Portuguese: leigo
Chinese: 世俗的
European Spanish: laico
French: laïque
German: Laien-
Italian: laico
Japanese: 平信徒の
Korean: 평신도
European Portuguese: leiga
Latin American Spanish: laico
Chinese translation of 'lay'
lay
(leɪ)
Word forms:ptpplaid
pt
oflie
vt
(= put) 放 (fàng)
(= put down)[carpet, cable etc]铺(鋪) (pū)
(= set)[trap]设(設)置 (shèzhì)
[egg]产(產) (chǎn)
adj
(= secular)[preacher]非神职(職)的 (fēishénzhí de)
to lay the table摆(擺)放餐具 (bǎifàng cānjù)
to lay the blame for sth on sb因某事责(責)怪某人 (yīn mǒushì zéguài mǒurén)
to lay charges提出指控 (tíchū zhǐkòng)
to lay the foundations/basis for sth为(為)某事奠定基础(礎) (wèi mǒushì diàndìng jīchǔ)
to lay a trap for sb为(為)某人设(設)置圈套 (wèi mǒurén shèzhì quāntào)
to get laid (inf!) 性交 (xìngjiāo)
the lay person外行 (wàiháng)
lie 1
(laɪ)
Word forms:ptlay
Word forms:pplain
vi
(= be horizontal)[person]躺 (tǎng)
(= be situated)[place]位于(於) (wèiyú)
[object]平放 (píngfàng)
(fig)[problem, cause etc]在于(於) (zàiyú)
(Brit, = be placed) (in race, league etc) 处(處)于(於) (chǔyú)
to lie hidden/forgotten被遗(遺)忘 (bèi yíwàng)
to lie ahead摆(擺)在面前 (bǎi zài miànqián)
to lie low (fig) 隐(隱)藏 (yǐncáng)
lie 2
(laɪ)
vi
(= tell lies) 说(說)谎(謊) (shuōhuǎng)
n(c)
谎(謊)言 (huǎngyán) (个(個), gè)
to tell lies说(說)谎(謊) (shuōhuǎng)
to live a lie过(過)着(著)虚(虛)伪(偽)的生活 (guòzhe xūwěi de shēnghuó)
All related terms of 'lay'
lie 1
( be horizontal : person ) 躺 tǎng
lay in
( supply ) 储(儲)存 chǔcún
lay off
( workers ) 解雇(僱) jiěgù
lay on
( meal, entertainment etc ) 提供 tígōng ⇒ Mrs Kaul had laid on dinner. → 考尔太太设了宴席。 Kǎo'ěr tàitai shèle yànxí.
lay out
( spread out : objects ) 摊(攤)开(開) tānkāi
lay up
▶ to be laid up (with sth) ( inf : with illness ) (因 ... 而)卧(臥)床 (yīn ... ér) wòchuáng
他整晚忧(憂)心忡忡地睡不着(著)觉(覺) tā zhěngwǎn yōuxīn chōngchōng de shuì bù zháo jiào
lie around
( things ) 乱(亂)放 luànfàng
lie behind
( cause ) 是 ... 的缘(緣)由 shì ... de yuányóu
to lay down one's life for sb
( liter : in war etc ) 为(為)某人而牺(犧)牲自己的生命 wèi mǒurén ér xīshēng zìjǐ de shēngmìng
to lay the foundations of sth
为(為)某事奠定基础(礎) wèi mǒushì diàndìng jīchǔ
to lay the groundwork for sth
为(為)某事打下基础(礎) wèi mǒushì dǎxià jīchǔ
to set or lay a trap for sb
为(為)某人设(設)陷阱 wèi mǒurén shè xiànjǐng
to get or lay one's hands on sth
( inf ) 找到某物 zhǎodào mǒuwù
to lay the blame for sth on sb
因某事责(責)怪某人 yīn mǒushì zéguài mǒurén
to lay the foundations/basis for sth
为(為)某事奠定基础(礎) wèi mǒushì diàndìng jīchǔ
to clap or lay or set eyes on sb/sth
( inf ) 看见(見)某人/某事 kànjiàn mǒurén/mǒushì
to lay waste (to) sth
毁(毀)坏(壞)某物 huǐhuài mǒuwù
1 (verb)
Definition
to place in position
Lay a sheet of newspaper on the floor.
Synonyms
place
Chairs were placed in rows for the parents.
put
She put her bag on the floor.
set
He took the case out of her hand and set it on the floor.
spread
plant
She planted her feet wide and bent her knees slightly.
establish
He has established himself as a pivotal figure in US politics.
settle
leave
deposit
put down
set down
posit
2 (verb)
Definition
to arrange or prepare
They were laying a trap for the kidnapper.
Synonyms
devise
We devised a scheme to help him.
plan
I had been planning a trip to the West Coast.
design
We may be able to design a course to suit your particular needs.
prepare
They were not given enough time to prepare for the election battle.
work out
plot
a meeting to plot the survival strategy of the party
hatch
They hatched a plot to get their own back.
contrive
The oil companies were accused of contriving a shortage of gasoline to justify price increases.
concoct
He said the prisoner had concocted the story to get a lighter sentence.
3 (verb)
Definition
(of birds, esp. the domestic hen) to produce (eggs)
Freezing weather hampered the hen's ability to lay eggs.
Synonyms
produce
The plant produces sweet fruit with deep red flesh.
bear
She bore a son called Karl.
deposit
The waiter deposited their coffees in front of them.
4 (verb)
Definition
to arrange or prepare
The organisers meet in March to lay plans.
Synonyms
arrange
He started to arrange the books in piles.
prepare
He said the government must prepare an emergency plan for evacuation.
make
The only person who makes rules in this house is me.
organize
We need someone to help organize our campaign.
position
Position trailing plants near the edges of the basket.
locate
set out
devise
put together
dispose
He was preparing to dispose his effects about the room.
draw up
5 (verb)
Definition
to regard as the responsibility of
She refused to lay the blame on any one party.
Synonyms
attribute
They attribute their success to external causes such as luck.
charge
assign
Assign the letters of the alphabet their numerical values.
allocate
Tickets will be allocated to those who apply first.
allot
We were allotted half an hour to address the committee.
ascribe
Journalists ascribed voter apathy to distrust of the government.
impute
It is unfair to impute blame to the employees.
6 (verb)
Definition
to put forward
Police have decided not to lay charges over allegations of phone tapping.
Synonyms
put forward
offer
They offered no suggestion as to how it might be done.
present
We presented three options to the unions for discussion.
advance
Many theories have been advanced as to why this is.
lodge
He has four weeks in which to lodge an appeal.
submit
They submitted their reports to the Chancellor yesterday.
bring forward
7 (verb)
Definition
to make (a bet) with (someone)
I wouldn't lay bets on his remaining manager after the spring.
Synonyms
bet
I bet on a horse called Premonition.
stake
He has staked his reputation on the outcome.
venture
gamble
Are you prepared to gamble your career on this matter?
chance
No sniper would chance a shot from amongst that crowd.
risk
She risked her life to help a woman.
hazard
wager
People had wagered a good deal of money on his winning the championship.
give odds
8 (verb)
Synonyms
allay
He did what he could to allay the children's fears.
still
Her crying slowly stilled.
The people's voice has been stilled.
quiet
calm
She took a deep breath to calm her nerves.
relieve
Drugs can relieve much of the pain.
suppress
soothe
Lemon tisanes with honey can soothe sore throats.
alleviate
A great deal can be done to alleviate back pain.
appease
Cash is on hand to appease mounting frustration.
assuage
She was trying to assuage her guilt.
Phrasal verbs
See lay into someone
idioms
See lay it on thick
See lay off
See lay someone off
See lay someone out
See lay someone up
See lay something aside
See lay something bare
See lay something down
See lay something in
See lay something on
See lay something out
See lay something up
Usage note
In standard English, the verb to lay (meaning `to put something somewhere') always needs an object, for example the Queen laid a wreath. By contrast, the verb to lie is always used without an object, for example he was just lying there.
1 (adjective)
Definition
of or involving people who are not members of the clergy
He is a Methodist lay preacher and social worker.
Synonyms
nonclerical
secular
secular and religious education
non-ordained
laic
laical
2 (adjective)
Definition
nonprofessional or nonspecialist
It is difficult for a lay person to gain access to medical libraries.
Synonyms
nonspecialist
amateur
an amateur dramatics society
unqualified
untrained
It is nonsense to say we have untrained staff dealing with emergencies.
inexpert
nonprofessional
(noun)
Definition
a short narrative poem intended to be sung
Yeats used Comyn's `The Lay of Oisin on the Land of Youth' as a source.
Synonyms
poem
a tender autobiographical poem set to music
song
a voice singing a Spanish song
lyric
ballad
one of the most beautiful ballads he ever wrote
ode
Additional synonyms
in the sense of advance
Definition
to present an idea for consideration
Many theories have been advanced as to why this is.
Synonyms
suggest,
offer,
present,
propose,
allege,
cite,
advocate,
submit,
prescribe,
put forward,
proffer,
adduce,
offer as a suggestion
in the sense of alleviate
Definition
to lessen (pain or suffering)
A great deal can be done to alleviate back pain.
Synonyms
ease,
reduce,
relieve,
moderate,
smooth,
dull,
diminish,
soften,
check,
blunt,
soothe,
subdue,
lessen,
lighten,
quell,
allay,
mitigate,
abate,
slacken,
assuage,
quench,
mollify,
slake,
palliate
in the sense of allocate
Definition
to assign to someone or for a particular purpose
Tickets will be allocated to those who apply first.
Synonyms
assign,
grant,
distribute,
designate,
set aside,
earmark,
give out,
consign,
allow,
budget,
allot,
mete,
share out,
apportion,
appropriate
Synonyms of 'lay'
lay
Explore 'lay' in the dictionary
Additional synonyms
in the sense of allot
Definition
to assign as a share or for a particular purpose
We were allotted half an hour to address the committee.
Synonyms
assign,
allocate,
designate,
set aside,
earmark,
mete,
share out,
apportion,
budget,
appropriate
in the sense of amateur
Definition
doing something out of interest, not for money
an amateur dramatics society
Synonyms
nonprofessional,
lay,
dilettante
in the sense of appease
Definition
to satisfy or relieve (a feeling)
Cash is on hand to appease mounting frustration.
Synonyms
ease,
satisfy,
calm,
relieve,
diminish,
compose,
quiet,
blunt,
soothe,
subdue,
lessen,
alleviate,
lull,
quell,
allay,
mitigate,
assuage,
quench,
tranquillize
in the sense of ascribe
Definition
to attribute, as to a particular origin
Journalists ascribed voter apathy to distrust of the government.
Synonyms
attribute,
credit,
refer,
charge,
assign,
put down,
set down,
impute
in the sense of assign
Definition
to attribute to a specified cause
Assign the letters of the alphabet their numerical values.
Synonyms
attribute,
credit,
put down,
set down,
ascribe,
accredit
in the sense of assuage
Definition
to relieve (grief, pain, or thirst)
She was trying to assuage her guilt.
Synonyms
relieve,
ease,
calm,
moderate,
temper,
soothe,
lessen,
alleviate,
lighten,
allay,
mitigate,
quench,
palliate
in the sense of ballad
Definition
a slow sentimental song
one of the most beautiful ballads he ever wrote
Synonyms
song,
saga,
ditty,
folk song,
canzone
in the sense of bear
Definition
to give birth to
She bore a son called Karl.
Synonyms
give birth to,
produce,
deliver,
breed,
bring forth,
beget (old-fashioned),
be delivered of
in the sense of calm
Definition
to make or become calm
She took a deep breath to calm her nerves.
Synonyms
soothe,
settle,
quiet,
relax,
appease,
still,
allay,
assuage,
quieten
in the sense of chance
Definition
to risk or hazard
No sniper would chance a shot from amongst that crowd.
Synonyms
risk,
try,
stake,
venture,
gamble,
hazard,
wager
Additional synonyms
in the sense of concoct
Definition
to invent or make up (a story or plan)
He said the prisoner had concocted the story to get a lighter sentence.
Synonyms
make up,
design,
prepare,
manufacture,
plot,
invent,
devise,
brew,
hatch,
formulate,
contrive,
fabricate,
think up,
cook up (informal),
trump up,
project
in the sense of contrive
Definition
to devise or construct ingeniously
The oil companies were accused of contriving a shortage of gasoline to justify price increases.
Synonyms
devise,
plan,
fabricate,
create,
design,
scheme,
engineer,
frame,
manufacture,
plot,
construct,
invent,
improvise,
concoct,
wangle (informal),
effect,
bring about,
hit upon
in the sense of deposit
Definition
to put down
The waiter deposited their coffees in front of them.
Synonyms
put,
place,
lay,
drop,
settle,
sit down
in the sense of design
Definition
to plan and make (something) artistically
We may be able to design a course to suit your particular needs.
Synonyms
create,
make,
plan,
project,
fashion,
scheme,
propose,
invent,
devise,
tailor,
draw up,
conceive,
originate,
contrive,
fabricate,
think up
in the sense of dispose
Definition
to arrange or place in a particular way
He was preparing to dispose his effects about the room.
Synonyms
arrange,
put,
place,
group,
set,
order,
stand,
range,
settle,
fix,
rank,
distribute,
array
in the sense of establish
Definition
to become firmly associated with a particular activity or reputation
He has established himself as a pivotal figure in US politics.
Synonyms
secure,
form,
base,
ground,
plant,
settle,
fix,
root,
implant,
entrench,
ensconce,
put down roots
in the sense of gamble
Definition
to risk or bet (something) on the outcome of an event or sport
Are you prepared to gamble your career on this matter?
Synonyms
risk,
chance,
stake,
venture,
hazard,
wager
in the sense of hatch
Definition
to devise (a plot or plan)
They hatched a plot to get their own back.
Synonyms
devise,
plan,
design,
project,
scheme,
manufacture,
plot,
invent,
put together,
conceive,
brew,
formulate,
contrive,
dream up (informal),
concoct,
think up,
cook up (informal),
trump up
in the sense of hazard
Synonyms
gamble,
chance,
risk,
stake,
dare
in the sense of impute
Definition
to attribute to a source or cause
It is unfair to impute blame to the employees.
Synonyms
attribute,
assign,
ascribe,
credit,
refer,
accredit,
set down to,
lay at the door of
Additional synonyms
in the sense of lodge
Definition
to bring (a charge or accusation) against someone
He has four weeks in which to lodge an appeal.
Synonyms
register,
put,
place,
set,
lay,
enter,
file,
deposit,
submit,
put on record
in the sense of make
Definition
to create, construct, establish, or draw up
The only person who makes rules in this house is me.
Synonyms
enact,
form,
pass,
establish,
fix,
institute,
frame,
devise,
lay down,
draw up
in the sense of offer
Definition
to put forward (a proposal, information, or opinion) for consideration
They offered no suggestion as to how it might be done.
Synonyms
propose,
suggest,
advance,
extend,
submit,
put forward,
put forth
in the sense of organize
Definition
to plan and arrange (something)
We need someone to help organize our campaign.
Synonyms
arrange,
run,
plan,
form,
prepare,
establish,
set up,
shape,
schedule,
frame,
look after,
be responsible for,
construct,
constitute,
devise,
put together,
take care of,
see to (informal),
get together,
marshal,
contrive,
get going,
coordinate,
fix up,
straighten out,
lay the foundations of,
lick into shape,
jack up (New Zealand, informal)
in the sense of plan
Definition
to form a plan (for)
I had been planning a trip to the West Coast.
Synonyms
devise,
arrange,
prepare,
scheme,
frame,
plot,
draft,
organize,
outline,
invent,
formulate,
contrive,
think out,
concoct
in the sense of plant
Definition
to place firmly in position
She planted her feet wide and bent her knees slightly.
Synonyms
place,
put,
set,
settle,
fix
in the sense of plot
Definition
to construct the plot of (a play, novel, or film)
a meeting to plot the survival strategy of the party
Synonyms
devise,
design,
project,
lay,
imagine,
frame,
conceive,
brew,
hatch,
contrive,
concoct,
cook up (informal)
in the sense of position
Definition
to put in the proper or usual place
Position trailing plants near the edges of the basket.
Synonyms
place,
put,
set,
stand,
stick (informal),
settle,
fix,
arrange,
locate,
sequence,
array,
dispose,
lay out
in the sense of prepare
Definition
to make or get ready
They were not given enough time to prepare for the election battle.
Synonyms
get ready,
plan,
anticipate,
make provision,
lay the groundwork,
make preparations,
arrange things,
get everything set
in the sense of prepare
Definition
to make or get ready
He said the government must prepare an emergency plan for evacuation.
Synonyms
make or get ready,
arrange,
draw up,
form,
fashion,
get up (informal),
construct,
assemble,
contrive,
put together,
make provision,
put in order,
jack up (New Zealand, informal)
Additional synonyms
in the sense of present
Definition
to put forward or submit
We presented three options to the unions for discussion.
Synonyms
put forward,
offer,
suggest,
raise,
state,
produce,
introduce,
advance,
relate,
declare,
extend,
pose,
submit,
tender,
hold out,
recount,
expound,
proffer,
adduce
in the sense of put
Definition
to cause to be (in a position or place)
She put her bag on the floor.
Synonyms
place,
leave,
set,
position,
rest,
park (informal),
plant,
establish,
lay,
stick (informal),
settle,
fix,
lean,
deposit,
dump (informal),
prop,
lay down,
put down,
situate,
set down,
stow,
bung (informal),
plonk (informal)
in the sense of relieve
Definition
to lessen (pain, distress, boredom, etc.)
Drugs can relieve much of the pain.
Synonyms
ease,
soothe,
alleviate,
allay,
relax,
comfort,
calm,
cure,
dull,
diminish,
soften,
console,
appease,
solace,
mitigate,
abate,
assuage,
mollify,
salve,
palliate
in the sense of risk
Definition
to expose to danger or loss
She risked her life to help a woman.
Synonyms
dare,
endanger,
jeopardize,
imperil,
venture,
gamble,
hazard,
take a chance on,
put in jeopardy,
expose to danger,
take the plunge,
skate on thin ice
in the sense of secular
Definition
not connected with religion or the church
secular and religious education
Synonyms
worldly,
state,
lay,
earthly,
civil,
temporal,
profane,
laic,
nonspiritual,
laical
in the sense of set
Definition
to put in a specified position or state
He took the case out of her hand and set it on the floor.
Synonyms
put,
place,
lay,
leave,
park (informal),
position,
rest,
plant,
station,
stick (informal),
deposit,
locate,
lodge,
situate,
plump,
plonk
in the sense of song
Definition
a piece of music with words, composed for the voice
a voice singing a Spanish song
Synonyms
ballad,
air,
tune,
lay,
strain,
carol,
lyric,
chant,
chorus,
melody,
anthem,
number,
hymn,
psalm,
shanty,
pop song,
ditty,
canticle,
canzonet,
choon (slang),
waiata (New Zealand)
in the sense of soothe
Definition
(of an ointment or cream) to relieve (pain)
Lemon tisanes with honey can soothe sore throats.
Synonyms
relieve,
ease,
alleviate,
dull,
diminish,
soften,
assuage,
deaden,
take the edge off,
allay
in the sense of stake
Definition
to risk (something, such as money) on a result
He has staked his reputation on the outcome.
Synonyms
bet,
gamble,
wager,
chance,
risk,
venture,
hazard,
jeopardize,
imperil,
put on the line
in the sense of still
Definition
to make or become quiet or calm
Her crying slowly stilled.The people's voice has been stilled.
Synonyms
quieten,
calm,
subdue,
settle,
quiet,
silence,
soothe,
hush,
alleviate,
lull,
tranquillize
Additional synonyms
in the sense of submit
Definition
to send (an application or proposal) to someone for judgment or consideration
They submitted their reports to the Chancellor yesterday.
Synonyms
present,
hand in,
tender,
put forward,
table (British),
commit,
refer,
proffer
in the sense of untrained
Definition
without formal or adequate training or education
It is nonsense to say we have untrained staff dealing with emergencies.
Synonyms
amateur,
inexperienced,
unskilled,
green,
raw,
unqualified,
uneducated,
untutored,
unschooled,
unpractised,
untaught
in the sense of wager
Definition
to bet (something, esp. money) on the outcome of an event or activity
People had wagered a good deal of money on his winning the championship.
Synonyms
bet,
chance,
risk,
stake,
lay,
venture,
put on,
pledge,
gamble,
hazard,
speculate,
punt (British)
All related terms of 'lay'
lie
falsehood, deceit, fabrication, fib, fiction
lay off
stop, give up, quit, cut it out, leave alone
lay someone up
confine (to bed), hospitalize, incapacitate
lay down the law
be dogmatic, call the shots, pontificate, rule the roost, crack the whip
lay into someone
attack, hit, set about, hit out at, assail
lay it on thick
exaggerate, flatter, overdo it, lay it on with a trowel, overpraise
lay someone low
weaken, reduce, tire, debilitate, make ill
lay someone off
dismiss, fire, release, drop, sack
lay someone out
knock out, fell, floor, knock unconscious, knock for six
lay something bare
reveal, show, expose, disclose, unveil
lay something down
stipulate, state, establish, prescribe, assume
lay something in
store (up), collect, build up, accumulate, buy in
lay something on
provide, prepare, supply, organize, give
lay something out
arrange, order, design, display, exhibit
lay something up
store up, keep, save, preserve, treasure
lay something aside
abandon, reject, dismiss, postpone, shelve
lay something waste
devastate, destroy, ruin, spoil, total
lay hands on someone
attack, assault, set on, beat up, work over
lay hands on something
get hold of, get, obtain, gain, grab
lay hold of something or someone
grasp, grab, seize, grip, snatch
set, clap or lay eyes on someone
see, meet, notice, observe, encounter
lay at someone's door or lay at the door of someone
blame, charge, censure, hold responsible, impute to