Word(s) of the Day: Lay v. Lie

Lay: / lā /,“to put or place” transitive verb (describes an action done to the direct object) 1. place on a surface, especially horizontally, or in the proper or specified place “A successful man is one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks others have thrown at him.” David Brinkley, 1920-2003. 2. to put or bring into a certain position or state “Nature will bear the closest inspection. She invites us to lay our eye level with her smallest leaf, and take an insect view of its plain.” Henry David Thoreau, 1817-1862. Lie / lī /, “to rest” Intransitive verb (describes an action undertaken by the subject) 1. to be kept or remain in a specified state or place; be at rest “The sea does not reward those who are too anxious, too greedy, or too impatient. One should lie empty, open, choiceless as a beach – waiting for a gift from the sea.” Anne Morrow Lindbergh, 1906-2001. 2. (of abstract things) exist; reside; be in a certain position or relation “The roots of all goodness lie in the soil of appreciation for goodness.” Dalai Lama