layperson

IPA/ˈleɪpɜːsn/
KK[lepˈɚsɪn]IPA/ˈleɪpɜːrsn/

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'

常見搭配
  • to a layperson
  • for a layperson
  • in layperson's terms
  • any layperson
  • the average 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。

常見搭配
  • clergy and laypeople
  • laypeople and clergy
  • layperson in the church
  • lay member
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.

同根字

常見搭配

名詞搭配

  • layperson's terms
  • laypeople and clergy
  • clergy and laypeople

常用片語

  • in layperson's terms
  • the average layperson
  • any layperson

介系詞搭配

  • to a ~
  • for a ~