laid
UK[leɪd]US[leɪd]
v
Past tense and past participle of 'lay'.
Etymology
The word 'laid' is the past tense and past participle form of the verb 'lay'. 'Lay' itself originates from the Old English verb 'lecgan', meaning "to place on the ground, put down, or set." This Old English term is a causative derivative of 'licgan', meaning "to be situated, lie down," establishing a foundational relationship between causing something to lie and the state of lying. Tracing back further, 'lecgan' comes from the Proto-Germanic 'lagjaną', and ultimately from the Proto-Indo-European root 'legh-', meaning "to lie down, lay." The modern form 'laid' represents a regularized development from Middle English, solidifying its role as the standard past form for the transitive action of putting or placing something down.
Analysis
N/A
Examples
She laid the book carefully on the table.
The workers have laid the foundation for the new building.
He laid out his plans for the upcoming project.