"Lay" is a verb of Proto-Slavic origin, which is often used in speech. True, not everyone knows that this word has not one, but several interpretations. Recently, rap performers have been actively using it in two meanings at once: “compose” and “perform”. In criminal circles there is a common phrase: “The fraerok lays smoothly …” - that is, he expresses his thoughts competently and intelligibly. More details about what it is to “lay” will be described in the article.
Looking in the dictionary
The following is said about the meaning of the word "lay":
- The same as “laying”, “laying out”, covering the surface of something. Examples: "Before laying linoleum, you must first make sure that the screeds are already dry." "If you lay the carpet at a corner or obliquely, it will not be pleasing to the eye."
- Cook when it comes to bed. Example: "InNatasha's duty was to make the bed for herself and her younger sister.”
- Spread, stretch across or low over the surface. Example: "Gloomy shadows laid a mourning veil over the grass." "Fog creeps over the river."
- Make flooring, covering, laying boards or tiles tightly together. Example: “The parquet in the room is rotten, and this despite the fact that it was laid not so long ago. Such caught masters.”
For a better understanding of what it is to lay, it would be advisable to consider the origin of the word.
Etymology
The studied lexeme is rooted in the Proto-Slavic language, where there is a form steljo. Descended from her:
- Old Russian “stele”, “stlati”;
- Old Slavic “bed”, “bed”;
- Russian "to lay";
- Ukrainian "stele", "stele";
- Belarusian "slats", "I'll aim";
- Bulgarian "stele";
- Slovenian stẹljem, stláti meaning "scatter";
- Old Bohemian stláti, meaning "to make a bed";
- Czech stláti;
- Slovak stlat;
- Polish ścielę, stłać;
- Upper Luga sćelu - "pour", słać - "lay".
Proto-Slavic steljǫ, stelati are related:
- in Latvian slāt, slāju, which means “to overlay”, “to pack”;
- Greek στέλλω meaning “I cook” and “I send”;
- Latin latus, which translates as "wide", and sternō, meaning "spread", "pour";
- Greek στόρνῡΜι – “I pour”, “I spread”.
- Old Latin stlatta.
Continuing to consider the meaning of "to lay", we will study words close to it.
Synonyms
The word "lay" is:
- lay;
- spread;
- spread out;
- spread out;
- decompose;
- decompose;
- pave;
- talk;
- string do;
- construct;
- compose;
- read (rap);
- laying;
- lay;
- cover;
- line;
- cover;
- put;
- extend.
Next, consider stable phrases, where the studied lexeme is present.
Phraseologisms
One of them: "You will lay softly, but you will sleep hard." What does this proverb mean? An explanation for it, like many others, can be found either in the Bible or in the writings of the holy fathers. So, in the 26th parable of Solomon there are words that speak of a two-faced person who is sweet only in words, but in deeds and thoughts he is angry and unfriendly. There are seven abominations in his heart, he makes his voice gentle, but plots evil. Phraseologism warns against excessive gullibility, since we are not always surrounded by honest, sincere people.
Close to the above is the expression "the road to hell is paved with good intentions." In one form or another, it is found in various sources. The closest one is found in the 17th century Anglican priest GeorgeHerbert in his book Wits of the Wise Men. The meaning of the expression is that only intentions and desires are not enough for salvation, it is necessary to have faith, without which it is impossible to come to God.
