Word: lap

Associations

The word "lap" can have multiple meanings depending on the context. One common meaning refers to the area between the waist and knees of a seated person. Another meaning is to refer to the act of a dog or cat drinking by using its tongue.

• Example 1: "She placed the book on her lap while sitting on the couch." This shows the lap as the area where something can be put while sitting.
• Example 2: "The dog drank water from the bowl with its lap." This illustrates the action of licking water using the tongue.
• Example 3: "He completed another lap around the track." Here, "lap" means a complete circuit or loop in a race.

A well-known synonym for the first meaning is "thigh," but "thigh" more specifically refers to the upper part of the leg, while "lap" refers to the area when someone is seated.

Substitution

Depending on the context, other words/phrases that can be used include:

• "knee" might fit when talking about sitting but doesn't capture the full area of the lap.
• "circuit" can replace "lap" in a racing context, but it usually indicates a location rather than the act of completing a round.

Deconstruction

The word "lap" comes from Old English “hlæppa,” which is related to the action of “lapping” or drinking. The root "lap" in this context relates to the way animals drink, but the word has also evolved in use.

Inquiry

• How do you usually use your lap when you sit down? What do you often place on it?
• Can you think of a time when you saw an animal drinking with its lap? What did it look like?
• In sports or running, how do you feel when you complete a lap?