layperson

/ˈleɪpɜːsn/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈleɪpɜːrsn/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈlā-ˌpər-sᵊn/ (ame, mw)

layperson — 名詞

1. Someone who works outside a particular profession and therefore lacks the specia

1.名詞B2
釋義

外行人

不具某領域專業知識的人

Someone who works outside a particular profession and therefore lacks the specialized training or detailed knowledge that professionals in that field have.

例句

The law firm rewrote the estate contract in plain English so a layperson like Karim could follow it.

律師事務所把遺產合約用淺顯的英文改寫，讓像 Karim 這樣的外行人也看得懂。

phrase: 'plain English' as signal for layperson accessibility

To a layperson like Rin, the difference between the two investment plans was completely unclear.

對像 Rin 這樣的外行人來說，兩種投資方案之間的差異完全不清楚。

preposition pattern: 'to a layperson'

同義詞
  • non-specialist

    More neutral and less common; focuses on absence of specialization rather than professional status.

  • amateur

    Carries a sense of doing something for enjoyment rather than pay; can imply lower skill, which 'layperson' does not.

  • outsider

    Emphasizes not being part of a group or community, whereas 'layperson' is specific to fields of knowledge or profession.

反義詞
  • expert

    Someone with deep knowledge or skill in a particular field.

  • professional

    Someone who works in and is qualified for a particular occupation.

  • specialist

    Someone who concentrates mainly on a particular subject or activity.

用法筆記

Often contrasted with expert, professional, or specialist. The phrase 'in layperson's terms' is a common fixed expression meaning 'using simple, everyday language instead of technical vocabulary.'

常見錯誤

❌I am a layperson in cooking
✅I am a complete beginner at cooking.
💡'layperson' refers to a lack of formal or professional knowledge, not a lack of skill or experience.
❌The doctor spoke to the layperson patiently' (ambiguous in context).
✅The doctor explained the diagnosis in simple language so that the layperson could follow.
💡When used, clarify what field or situation the person is not expert in.

2. An individual who belongs to a church or other religious group but is not ordain

2.名詞B2
釋義

平信徒

教會中非神職成員

An individual who belongs to a church or other religious group but is not ordained as a priest, minister, or similar official leader.

例句

The bishop invited both clergy and laypeople to the diocesan meeting last month.

主教邀請了神職人員和平信徒一同參加上個月的教區會議。

frequent contrast pair: clergy and laypeople

Jiwoo served as an active layperson at St. Mark's Church, running the youth reading group for three years.

Jiwoo 在聖馬可教堂擔任活躍的平信徒，三年來一直負責帶領青少年讀書會。

同義詞
  • lay member

    More explicit; often used in formal church documents.

  • parishioner

    A member of a particular church or parish, but not explicitly contrasted with clergy.

  • laity

    The collective noun for laypeople as a group, rather than an individual.

反義詞
  • clergy

    The collective term for people ordained for religious duties.

  • priest

    A specific ordained religious leader who can perform sacraments.

  • minister

    A person authorized to conduct religious worship.

用法筆記

This sense is used primarily in Christian contexts, though it can apply to other religious traditions that distinguish between clergy and non-clergy members. 'Layperson' is the gender-neutral alternative to 'layman' or 'laywoman'.

常見錯誤

❌The layperson organized the Sunday school lesson' (true but confusing without context).
✅As a layperson, Brian organized the Sunday school lessons without any formal theological training.
💡Clarify the contrast with clergy to make the meaning clear.