Layperson
/ˈleɪˌpɜrsən/
nounB2
Definition
A layperson means a normal person who does not have special training or knowledge in a certain area, like medicine, law, or religion. It is used to describe people who are not professionals or experts but are interested or affected by the topic.
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See It in Action
A person without special knowledge or training in a field
- •The doctor explained the procedure in simple terms so the layperson could understand.
- •Legal documents are often hard for a layperson to read.
- •The book is written for laypersons interested in science.
A non-clergy member in religious contexts (less common)
- •The priest spoke about the role of laypersons in the church.
- •Laypersons often help with community activities in the parish.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "layperson" like "person" (A1 word), but specifically one without special skills or training in the subject
- ✓Picture a regular person listening to a doctor explain something in simple words, because the doctor is talking to a layperson
- ✓It's the feeling when you hear a complicated explanation and want it made easy for someone like you who does not know much about the topic
- ✓Sounds like "lay" + "person" → imagine a person laying down simple ideas for others who are not experts
- ✓Think of a teacher explaining science to children—that teacher talks to laypeople, not scientists
- ✓NOT like "expert" (someone with deep knowledge), a layperson is outside the expert group
- ✓NOT like "student" (someone learning), a layperson may or may not want to learn, but simply is not trained
- ✓NOT like "professional" (paid and trained worker), a layperson is usually a non-professional
Try Other Words
- •Non-expert: a person without expert knowledge (Use when you want a simple, general word)
- •Amateur: a person who does something for pleasure, not professionally (Use when referring to hobbies or activities rather than knowledge)
- •Novice: a beginner or someone new to a subject (Use when emphasizing lack of experience rather than professional status)
- •Common person: a regular person, not expert or professional (Use in informal or general speech)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "lay" (ordinary, not professional) + "person" (human being)
- •Etymology: "Lay" comes from Old English "lǣg," meaning not ordained or not part of the clergy; later used for non-professionals in general
- •Historical development: Originally used in religious contexts to mean non-clergy members; now used broadly for any non-expert person
- •Modern usage: Commonly used in medicine, law, science, and religion to separate experts from ordinary people
Reflect & Connect
•How might the experience of a layperson differ when learning about a complex topic compared to an expert?
•In what situations is it important to explain things in a way that a layperson can understand?
Fill in the blanks
1.The scientist simplified the explanation so the layperson could ___ the main idea easily.
2.Legal language is often confusing for a layperson because it uses many ___ terms.
3.Unlike experts, laypersons usually do not have ___ training in the subject.
4.When doctors speak to laypersons, they avoid using ___ words.
5.The book is designed for laypersons, so it ___ complex ideas into simple language.
6.A layperson might ask many questions because they lack ___ knowledge.
7.In the church, laypersons participate in activities but are not ___ members.