mislay

Mislay is a verb meaning to put something somewhere accidentally in a place where it cannot be found right away, causing a temporary loss of the item. It implies an unintentional act of placing something in an odd or forgotten location, with the expectation that it will be found later. Common objects associated with mislaying include keys, glasses, documents, and wallets. The term is typically used when the loss is not permanent and the item is expected to be recovered.

Etymology and forms: Mislay is formed from the prefix mis- meaning wrongly and lay meaning to place. The word has been in use since the 16th century. Its principal forms are mislay (present), mislaid (past tense and past participle), and mislaying (present participle). The expression can appear in various registers, ranging from neutral to slightly formal or literary.

Usage and nuance: Mislay contrasts with lose, which can imply permanent loss, though in everyday speech many speakers use mislay to describe temporary misplacement. It is related to misplace, which is often used interchangeably in modern usage, but mislay can carry a hint of self-blame or carelessness. In formal writing or older texts, mislay may sound more precise or traditional.

Examples: “I seem to have mislaid my keys somewhere in the office.” “She mislaid her passport before the trip and later found it in her jacket.” These sentences illustrate the temporary nature of the loss.

See also: misplacement, mislaying, misplace.