layout
UK[ˈleɪaʊt]US[ˈleɪaʊt]
n
The way in which the parts of something are arranged or laid out.
n
A plan or design of something that is to be made or built.
Morpheme Breakdown
lay
out
lay
out
Etymology
The word 'layout' is a modern English compound formed from the phrasal verb 'to lay out'. The verb 'lay' originates from the Old English 'lecgan', a causative form related to 'licgan' (to lie), tracing back to the Proto-Germanic lagjaną and ultimately the Proto-Indo-European root legh- (to lie down). The particle 'out' comes from Old English 'ūt', from Proto-Germanic ūt, related to the PIE root ud- (up, out). The compound noun 'layout', meaning the specific arrangement of items as if they have been 'laid out', emerged in the mid-19th century. It logically combines the action of placing things (lay) with the resultant state of being fully displayed or arranged (out), evolving from a literal description of setting objects in position to an abstract term for any structured design, from printed pages to architectural plans.
Analysis
Structure: lay + out
- lay: From Old English 'lecgan' (to place on the ground, put down). Functional role: verb root meaning to place or set.
- out: From Old English 'ūt' (out, outside, forth). Functional role: adverbial particle indicating position or direction.
Examples
The magazine's layout is clean and easy to read.
We need to approve the layout for the new kitchen before construction begins.
The designer spent hours working on the website layout.