Layman’s: meaning, definitions and examples
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layman’s
[ ˈleɪmən ]
non-expert usage
A layman is a person who is not a member of a particular profession or field, especially someone who lacks specialized knowledge or training. The term is often used to contrast with professionals or experts in a given area.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The layman often struggles to understand complex scientific theories.
- In legal matters, the layman might find it difficult to interpret the law without assistance.
- Artists sometimes create works that appeal to the layman rather than to critics.
Translations
Translations of the word "layman’s" in other languages:
🇵🇹 leigo
🇮🇳 आम आदमी
🇩🇪 Laie
🇮🇩 awam
🇺🇦 простий чоловік
🇵🇱 laik
🇯🇵 素人
🇫🇷 profane
🇪🇸 laico
🇹🇷 sıradan insan
🇰🇷 비전문가
🇸🇦 غير متخصص
🇨🇿 laik
🇸🇰 laik
🇨🇳 外行
🇸🇮 laik
🇮🇸 óbreytt
🇰🇿 қарапайым адам
🇬🇪 არაპროფესიონალი
🇦🇿 adi insan
🇲🇽 laico
Etymology
The term 'layman' originates from the Middle English word 'leyman', which referred to a person who was not a member of the clergy. This, in turn, comes from the Old English 'læwige', meaning 'of the people' or 'not clerical'. Historically, it was used to distinguish between the educated clerical class and ordinary people. Over time, the word has evolved to encompass anyone who lacks expertise in a specific field. It reflects the idea that a layman represents the general public, underscoring the accessibility or complexity of different professional or specialized knowledge areas.