1 B1 neutral
To put something down or stop working on it, intending to return to it later.
"She laid aside her knitting when the phone rang."
separable
lay aside
B2 neutral separable transitive
To put something down or stop using it, either temporarily or permanently; to save something for later; or to deliberately stop thinking about something.
In plain English
To put something to one side to deal with later, or to stop letting something affect you.
What does "lay aside" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic formal
To deliberately stop considering or being influenced by something (differences, emotions, prejudices).
"Both sides agreed to lay aside their political differences in order to tackle the crisis together."
separable
3 B2 neutral
To save or reserve something (especially money) for future use.
"Every month he laid aside a small amount for his daughter's education."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
Transparent — to physically move something to the side and leave it there.
Actually means
To put something to one side to deal with later, or to stop letting something affect you.
Usage tip
Used in both physical and abstract contexts. In physical contexts: putting a book down, setting tools aside. In abstract contexts: laying aside differences, concerns, or prejudices — implying a deliberate choice to ignore or suppress something. Slightly formal compared to 'put aside'.
Words that pair with "lay aside"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
differences prejudices work concerns book savings
How to conjugate "lay aside"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
lay aside
I/you/we/they
3rd person
lays aside
he/she/it
Past simple
laid aside
yesterday
Past participle
laid aside
have + pp
-ing form
laying aside
continuous
Hear "lay aside" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "lay aside" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "lay aside"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
Keep exploring
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