The spelling of the phrase "laid out" follows the conventional rules of English orthography. The word "laid" is pronounced /leɪd/, with the long vowel sound of "a" and the voiced consonant "d". The word "out" is pronounced /aʊt/, with the diphthong "ou" representing the sound "ow" and the unvoiced "t" at the end. Together, the two words "laid out" signify a plan or arrangement, often used in the context of organizing a physical space or setting the parameters of a project.
"Laid out" is a phrasal verb that can have several meanings depending on the context.
The most common meaning of "laid out" refers to arranging or positioning objects or items in a specific manner or order. It implies organizing something in a purposeful way. For example, it can describe the act of setting up a table for a meal, arranging a display of products in a store, or organizing a room or garden. In these cases, "laid out" emphasizes the deliberate and systematic arrangement of things.
Additionally, "laid out" can also mean explaining or presenting information or plans in a clear and detailed way. It typically refers to outlining or describing something in a thorough manner for others to understand. For instance, a teacher might lay out the lesson plan for the day, or an architect can lay out a blueprint for a building project. In these scenarios, "laid out" denotes the act of presenting information in a comprehensive and well-structured manner.
Furthermore, "laid out" can have a more literal meaning when referring to someone who is lying down or has been placed in a prone position, either due to exhaustion, illness, or physical distress. For example, a person might be described as "laid out on the couch" or "laid out in bed" when they are physically incapacitated and resting.
Overall, "laid out" encompasses the ideas of arranging, organizing, presenting, and placing in a systematic, detailed, or resting manner, depending on the context.
The phrase "laid out" has its origins in the combination of two separate words: "laid" and "out".
The word "laid" is the past tense and past participle of the verb "lay", which originated from the Old English word "lecgan". "Lay" refers to the action of putting or placing something in a particular position, typically horizontally or flat.
The word "out" is a preposition that emerged from the Old English word "ūt", meaning "outside" or "away from the center". In the context of "laid out", "out" emphasizes the act of spreading or arranging something in a particular manner or format.
When combined, "laid out" implies the action of organizing or arranging something systematically, often in a horizontal or flat position.