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lay

[ley] / leɪ /
ADJECTIVE
amateur, not trained in a religious or other profession
Synonyms
Antonyms






VERB
design, plan
Synonyms


VERB
bet, wager
Synonyms
NOUN
a song or poem
Synonyms


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The origins of American liberty lay deep in the Puritan soil of New England as the cultural memory of Plymouth and the English Civil War energized the 18th century’s revolutionary spirit.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 10, 2026

Thousands of climate negotiators are in Bonn this week and next to draft agreements and lay the groundwork for the final decisions taken by political leaders at the summit due to start November 9.

From Barron's • Jun. 9, 2026

Turner was appointed as a so-called commissioned lay worker at St Brendan's, but said his role was to act as a pastor for the east Belfast parish.

From BBC • Jun. 8, 2026

I lay these facts alongside my decision to become a writer.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 8, 2026

Joey, too, was anxious to discover what lay ahead for her.

From "At Last She Stood" by Erin Entrada Kelly




Vocabulary lists containing lay


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