“Lain” or “Lane”—Which to use?

“Lain” or “Lane”

Overview

lain / lane are similar-sounding terms with different meanings (referred to as homophones). To better understand the differences, see below for definitions, pronunciation guides, and example sentences using each term. 👇

Definitions

lain: (verb) be located or situated somewhere; occupy a certain position. (verb) be lying, be prostrate; be in a horizontal position. (verb) be and remain in a particular state or condition. (verb) tell an untruth; pretend with intent to deceive. (verb) have a place in relation to something else.

lane: (noun) a narrow way or road. (noun) a well-defined track or path; for e.g. swimmers or lines of traffic.

Pronunciation

lain: l·EY·n

lane: l·EY·n

Trends

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Examples in Context

Examples of “lain”

…Rheingold, which must long have lain latent within me, though it…
He had lain dormant until hearing that his…
…bodies showed evidence of having lain out exposed to weather and…

Examples of “lane”

…that a trip "south to Lane County" was as good as…
David Christopher Lane – lately Vice-President, Professional Association…
…more than 8m wide (double lane) there were very few vessels…
…against Spurs at White Hart Lane.
…cost was approximately $90,000 per lane.
…was relocated to Govinda Bose Lane (its current location).
…is played on an inclined lane and the player aims to…
…of the former St. Michael's Lane: the ghostly presence of St.…
…ramps (up to ), triple lane lower deck and two lane…
…Kent/Superman, Teri Hatcher as Lois Lane, Lane Smith as Perry White,…

(Examples are Wikipedia snippets under the CC ShareAlike 3.0 license. Definitions drawn from WordNet.)

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