n.
Pronunciation: ' l ī
Function: intransitive verb
Inflected Form: lay \ ' l ā \ ; lain \ ' l ā n \ ; ly · ing \ ' l ī -i ŋ \
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English licgan; akin to Old High German ligen to lie, Latin lectus bed, Greek lechos
Date: before 12th century
1 a : to be or to stay at rest in a horizontal position : be prostrate : REST , RECLINE < lie motionless> < lie asleep> b : to assume a horizontal position ― often used with down c archaic : to reside temporarily : stay for the night : LODGE d : to have sexual intercourse ― used with with e : to remain inactive (as in concealment) < lie in wait>
2 : to be in a helpless or defenseless state <the town lay at the mercy of the invaders>
3 of an inanimate thing : to be or remain in a flat or horizontal position upon a broad support <books lying on the table>
4 : to have direction : EXTEND <the route lay to the west>
5 a : to occupy a certain relative place or position <hills lie behind us> b : to have a place in relation to something else <the real reason lie s deeper> c : to have an effect through mere presence, weight, or relative position <remorse lay heavily on him> d : to be sustainable or admissible
6 : to remain at anchor or becalmed
7 a : to have place : EXIST <the choice lay between fighting or surrendering> b : CONSIST , BELONG <the success of the book lie s in its direct style> <responsibility lay with the adults>
8 : REMAIN especially : to remain unused, unsought, or uncared for
usage see LAY
– li · er \ ' l ī (- ə )r \ noun
– lie low
1 : to lie prostrate, defeated, or disgraced
2 : to stay in hiding : strive to avoid notice
3 : to bide one's time : remain secretly ready for action