Laywomen: meaning, definitions and examples
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laywomen
[ ˈleɪˌwɪmən ]
general knowledge
A laywoman is a woman who is not a member of the clergy or religious order. She is often involved in the secular world and may participate in community activities or organizations. Laywomen can be found in various contexts, including religious communities where they support the clergy but do not hold clerical positions. The term emphasizes the distinction between those who have formal religious training and those who do not.
Synonyms
amateur, non-cleric, secular woman
Examples of usage
- The laywoman contributed significantly to the charity event.
- As a laywoman, she felt empowered to speak out on social issues.
- In many religious institutions, laywomen play crucial supportive roles.
Translations
Translations of the word "laywomen" in other languages:
🇵🇹 leigas
🇮🇳 सामान्य महिलाएँ
🇩🇪 Laien
🇮🇩 wanita awam
🇺🇦 лаїки
🇵🇱 laiki
🇯🇵 一般女性
🇫🇷 laïques
🇪🇸 laicas
🇹🇷 laik kadınlar
🇰🇷 일반 여성
🇸🇦 نساء علمانيات
🇨🇿 laiky
🇸🇰 laicky
🇨🇳 俗人女性
🇸🇮 laikinje
🇮🇸 veraldlegar konur
🇰🇿 дінсіз әйелдер
🇬🇪 ლაიკები
🇦🇿 layk qadınlar
🇲🇽 mujeres laicas
Etymology
The term 'laywoman' derives from the Middle English word 'lai,' which means 'non-clerical' or 'of the laity.' It traces its origin to the Greek word 'laikos,' which relates to the people (laos, meaning 'the people'). In religious contexts, the term 'laity' has historically referred to the body of religious worshippers who are not part of the clergy. The distinction between lay and clerical roles has been significant throughout history, especially in Christian traditions, where laypersons often support religious practices without holding any formal position of authority. The use of the term has broadened over time to encompass women engaged in various fields, emphasizing their contributions to religious and secular communities alike.