lie

¹lie

verb \ˈlī\

lay \ˈlā\ lain \ˈlān\ ly·ing \ˈlī-iŋ\

Definition of LIE

intransitive verb

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 lies 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 lies in its direct style> <responsibility lay with the adults>

8

: remain; especially : to remain unused, unsought, or uncared for

See Usage Discussion at lay

— li·er \ˈlī(-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

Origin of LIE

Middle English, from Old English licgan; akin to Old High German ligen to lie, Latin lectus bed, Greek lechos

First Known Use: before 12th century