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liest

Archaic Terms
Pronunciation

Understanding ARPABET Pronunciation

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The pronunciation guide uses the ARPABET phonetic system—the same system used in speech recognition and text-to-speech applications.

Vowel Examples:
AE1 = cat, bat
EH1 = bed, head
IY1 = see, me
OW1 = go, boat
UW1 = boot, do
Stress Numbers:
0 = no stress (unstressed)
1 = primary stress (loud)
2 = secondary stress (medium)
Example:
AH0 TH IY1 N AH0
= a-THEE-na (Athena)

The stressed syllable (marked with 1) is pronounced louder and clearer than others.

Quick Definition

An archaic second-person singular form of the verb "lie" (to recline or be situated), used in the English of earlier centuries; it effectively evokes a historical or biblical linguistic setting.

Detailed Definition
'Liest' is an archaic second person singular form of the verb 'to lie,' used in older English poetry. In this context, it emphasizes the stillness and tranquility of the earth, as seen in the line 'Oh, earth! that liest still to-night.' This usage reflects a poetic style that connects the speaker to a more formal and traditional mode of expression.
Example
Example in poetry:
"Oh, earth! that liest still to-night Beneath the starlit skies" (archaic second-person of 'lie'); "Thou liest in the grave of ages" (mortality); "The city liest in ruins" (decay); "Liest thou there, my love, in peace?" (romantic); "The truth liest hidden in the heart" (philosophical)
Additional Notes
The word 'liest' is a less common form of 'lie' that enhances the poem's archaic tone, as seen in the opening line.; Found in the poem, Oh, Earth! by Sir Lewis Morris
Also Known As
lie variant thou reclinest resteth abidest
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