ENGLISH
REFERENCE

laying

n. uncountable
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈɫeɪɪŋ// UK //lˈeɪɪŋ// lay·ing

n. the act of putting something down carefully or in a specific position. It is often used when talking about building things, like floors or bricks.

n. the act or process of placing something in a horizontal position or on a surface. Often used in technical or construction contexts to describe the installation of materials.


SIMPLE

The laying of the new carpet takes all afternoon.

CONTEXTUAL

The project was delayed because the laying of the foundation required perfectly dry weather conditions.

COMPLEX

Historians noted that the ceremonial laying of the first stone marked a significant shift in the city's architectural priorities during the late nineteenth century.

Synonyms
Usage

Often functions as a gerund; frequently followed by the preposition 'of' to indicate the object being placed.

Pitfall

the lieing of the bricksthe laying of the bricksLearners often confuse the spelling of 'laying' (placing something) with 'lying' (being in a flat position).

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