- Main Entry:
- 1lie
- Pronunciation:
-
\ˈlī\
- Function:
- intransitive verb
- Inflected Form(s):
- lay \ˈlā\; lain \ˈlān\; ly·ing \ˈlī-iŋ\
- 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 carchaic : 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>3of 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 admissible6: to remain at anchor or becalmed7 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
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li·er \ˈlī(-ə)r\ noun —
lie low 1: to lie prostrate, defeated, or disgraced2: to stay in hiding : strive to avoid notice3: to bide one's time : remain secretly ready for action
