Learn English – Word for “lose something temporarily”

single-word-requestssynonymsverbs

Is there any verb which means that I lost something but actually you're sure that it isn't lost forever? So I don't know where is it now but if I was looking for it, I would find it. Or, I put it somewhere but now I don't remember where and I can't find it.

Examples:

I _____ my car keys in the hurry.

I _____ your book but I'll give it back as soon as I find it.

Or should I just simply use "lost"?

(In my mind "lost" is permanent, and I'm looking for a word which means the same but only temporarily.)

Best Answer

Consider either misplace or mislay; both have similar meanings:

Misplace

to put (something) in the wrong place; to lose (something) for a short time by forgetting where you put it

Mislay

to lose (something) for a short time by forgetting where you put it

Misplace can also mean to give something undeserved, such as "misplaced trust"

Google indicates that misplace is much more common than mislay, if word familiarity is something that you want to factor into your word choice.