Definition

To put something down in the wrong place and then forget where it is.

Example

I always mislay my keys when I'm in a hurry.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Have you seen my keys?

No, I haven't. Did you mislay them again?

I think I might have left them at the café.

That sounds about right. Let's go check there.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Mislay → It is formed from "mis-" (meaning wrongly or badly) and "lay" (from Old English "lecgan", meaning to place or put down). The word "mislay" means to wrongly place something or to put it down in the wrong location.

Memory Tip

Think of 'mis-' meaning wrongly and 'lay' meaning to place something down. This helps you remember that mislay means to place something down incorrectly.

Visually Confused Words