DictionarylieResting or remaining in position
verb

lie

To be or remain in a position or state, especially resting horizontally.

The dog lies beside the heater and closes its tired eyes.

Etymology

Old English licgan meant to lie or rest. The modern verb keeps that posture sense and extends it to remaining in a place or condition.

More examples

  • She lay on the grass for an hour.
  • The papers have lain untouched for weeks.
  • A difficult choice lies ahead of us.

Forms

lie · lies · lay · lain · lying

Similar words

recline
Specifically describes resting with the body leaned back.
rest
Rest need not involve a horizontal position.