Lay Figure

C2 16+
Pronunciation Definitions Examples Grammatical Forms Origin and Evolution

Pronunciation: /ˈleɪ ˌfɪɡjər/

Definitions of lay figure

noun a jointed model of the human body used by artists for studying poses and drapery

Example Sentences

A1 The lay figure in the art class helped students practice drawing human proportions.

A2 The lay figure used by the fashion designer was adjustable to different body shapes.

B1 The lay figure was positioned in the window display to showcase the latest clothing collection.

B2 The artist used a lay figure to create realistic poses for the characters in the painting.

C1 The lay figure was a valuable tool for artists to study anatomy and movement in their artwork.

C2 The lay figure's intricate details and lifelike features made it a popular choice among professional artists.

Examples of lay figure in a Sentence

formal The artist used a lay figure to help with the proportions of the human body in the painting.

informal The lay figure made it easier for the artist to sketch out the figure before painting it.

slang I heard the artist's lay figure got damaged during the move.

figurative The lay figure in the story represented the inner struggles of the main character.

Grammatical Forms of lay figure

plural

lay figures

comparative

more lay figure

superlative

most lay figure

present tense

lay figure

future tense

will lay figure

perfect tense

have laid figure

continuous tense

is laying figure

singular

lay figure

positive degree

lay figure

infinitive

to lay figure

gerund

lay figuring

participle

lay figured

Origin and Evolution of lay figure

First Known Use: 1601 year
Language of Origin: Middle English and Old French
Story behind the word: The term 'lay figure' originated from the Middle English word 'leye', meaning 'to lie down' and the Old French word 'figure', meaning 'shape or form'.
Evolution of the word: Originally used to refer to a jointed model of the human body used by artists for drawing or painting, the term 'lay figure' has evolved to also mean a person who is easily manipulated or used by others for their own purposes.