Lay

Verb

Definition: To put (something) down gently or carefully.

Definition: To bring (something) to rest on a surface or mount.

Synonyms: Place, Set, Put, Set down

Antonyms: Lift, Raise, Pick up

Examples:

She lay the baby on the bed.
He laid the book on the table.

Mnemonics:

Think of a hen laying an egg gently on the nest.
Picture yourself laying a towel on the beach.

Adjective

Definition: Not having professional qualifications or expert knowledge.

Synonyms: Untrained, Amateur, Nonprofessional

Antonyms: Professional, Expert, Skilled

Examples:

He is a lay person in the field of medicine.
The conference was attended by both lay individuals and experts.

Mnemonics:

Lay can refer to someone who is not professionally trained.

Etymology:

Origin:

Old English 'lecgan', of Germanic origin; related to Dutch 'leggen' and German 'legen'.

Historical Usage:

Has been used in various contexts since its origin.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

"Lay on the line"

Explanation:

To put oneself at risk or be straightforward about a situation.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Confusing 'lay' (verb) with 'lie' (verb).

Explanation:

'Lay' is a transitive verb and requires an object, while 'lie' is an intransitive verb and does not require an object. For example, "I lay the book on the table" (correct) vs. "I lay on the bed" (incorrect, should be "I lie on the bed").