top of page
The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook

Add 3,700 must-know words to your vocabulary.

All-in-one: dictionary, thesaurus, & workbook.

 147 categorized lessons, 428 practical activities.

 Suitable for students & professionals of all ages.​​​​​​​​

 Ideal preparation for: TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS, SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, CPE, BEC, PTE, FCE

4.9 star rating

4.8

Improve Your Vocabulary Today!

layman

IPA:

How to pronounce layman (audio)

Dictionary definition of layman

An individual who lacks specialized knowledge or professional training in a particular field, especially in the realm of technical, scientific, or professional expertise.
"The author's ability to explain complex philosophical ideas in layman's terms made the book accessible to a wider audience."

Detailed meaning of layman

A layman is often considered an ordinary person without formal education or professional qualifications in a specific subject matter. They may possess general knowledge or experience in various areas but lack the in-depth understanding or specialized skills that professionals or experts possess. Laymen typically approach topics from a non-specialist perspective and rely on common sense, practical understanding, or general knowledge to navigate everyday situations. In certain contexts, the term "layman" can also refer to someone who is not affiliated with a particular religious order or clergy and is not formally trained in religious doctrine or rituals. The term "layman" is used to distinguish individuals who do not have specialized knowledge or professional status from those who do, emphasizing their non-expert status in a specific field or domain.

Example sentences containing layman

1. As a layman, he struggled to understand the complex scientific concepts presented in the lecture.
2. The manual was written in simple language to help laymen operate the machinery.
3. The doctor explained the diagnosis to the patient in layman's terms, ensuring clear understanding.
4. The legal jargon was difficult for the layman to decipher during the court proceedings.
5. The IT specialist translated the technical details into layman's language for the client to comprehend.
6. The financial advisor provided layman-friendly advice to help the novice investor make informed decisions.

History and etymology of layman

The noun 'layman' has its roots in the Old English word 'leofman,' which was used to refer to a member of the laity or a common person who was not a member of the clergy. The term 'layman' is formed by combining 'lay,' meaning non-professional or untrained, with 'man,' signifying a person. Over time, 'layman' evolved to describe an individual who lacks specialized knowledge or professional training in a particular field, especially in the realm of technical, scientific, or professional expertise. The etymology of 'layman' reflects the historical distinction between those who were part of religious orders and the general population, highlighting the contrast between specialized and common knowledge or skills.

Quiz: Find the meaning of the noun layman:

Try Again!

Correct!

Further usage examples of layman

1. The museum curator designed exhibits with laymen in mind, ensuring accessibility and understanding.
2. The workshop aimed to teach laymen basic carpentry skills for home repairs.
3. The scientist's research findings were presented in a manner that even laymen could grasp.
4. The software engineer was skilled at translating intricate coding concepts into layman's terms for team members.
5. The chef's cookbook was praised for its clear instructions that even laymen could follow to create gourmet dishes.
6. The layman struggled to understand the complex scientific theory.
7. The book is written in plain language for the average layman.
8. As a layman, he found the legal jargon confusing.
9. The doctor explained the diagnosis in terms a layman could grasp.
10. The layman's perspective often brings fresh insights.
11. She presented the technical report in a way that a layman could comprehend.
12. The conference aimed to bridge the gap between experts and laymen.
13. The layman was eager to learn more about astrophysics.
14. The layman's question sparked a lively debate among experts.
15. He wrote the software manual with the layman in mind.
16. The museum exhibit made complex art history accessible to laymen.
17. The professor simplified the lecture for the benefit of laymen.
18. The layman's curiosity led to groundbreaking discoveries.
19. The scientist gave a lecture that even a layman could follow.
20. The layman's review praised the book's clarity and simplicity.
21. The lawyer explained the case to the jury of laymen.
22. The layman's perspective challenged traditional viewpoints.
23. The guidebook is designed to help laymen explore the topic.
24. The layman's input brought a fresh perspective to the project.
25. He translated the technical document into layman's terms.

SAT 19 (Scholastic Assessment Test), High School 5, Knowledge and Wisdom

neophyte,novice

amateur,beginner,civilian,commoner,dabbler,inexpert,nonexpert,nonprofessional,outsider,untrained

novice, expert, professional, specialist

eb68db_94d38261136e475bafe8a03becb6af64.mp3

bottom of page