layperson
Meaning: A person without professional or specialised knowledge in a particular subject.
Layperson is used to distinguish ordinary members of the public from professionals or experts in a given field, particularly in medicine, law, science, and technology. It is the gender-neutral form preferred over the older 'layman.' The word is essential in contexts where complex information must be communicated accessibly — 'in layperson's terms' is a common phrase meaning to explain something simply. It also retains its original religious sense of someone who is not a member of the clergy.
Examples
- The report was written in clear language that any layperson could understand. 该报告以清晰的语言撰写,任何外行都能理解。El informe estaba redactado en un lenguaje claro que cualquier profano podía comprender.その報告書は、専門外の誰にでも理解できる明快な言葉で書かれていた。그 보고서는 비전문가라도 이해할 수 있는 명확한 언어로 작성되었다.
- To a layperson, the distinction between the two legal principles might seem trivial. 对外行人来说,这两个法律原则之间的区别可能显得微不足道。Para un lego, la distinción entre los dos principios jurídicos podría parecer trivial.素人にとっては、この二つの法的原則の区別は些細なものに思えるかもしれない。비전문가에게는 이 두 법적 원칙의 차이가 사소해 보일 수 있다.
- She had the rare ability to explain quantum mechanics in layperson's terms without oversimplifying. 她有一种难得的能力,能用通俗的语言解释量子力学而不过度简化。Tenía la rara habilidad de explicar la mecánica cuántica en términos comprensibles para un profano sin caer en la simplificación excesiva.彼女には、量子力学を過度に単純化せずに一般の人にもわかる言葉で説明するという稀有な能力があった。그녀에게는 양자역학을 지나치게 단순화하지 않으면서도 일반인이 이해할 수 있는 말로 설명하는 드문 능력이 있었다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: professional, academic, general
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From lay (non-clerical) + person. 'Lay' derives from Old French lai, from Late Latin laicus, from Greek laikos (of the people), from laos (people). Originally distinguished non-clergy from ordained ministers; later broadened to mean non-specialist in any field.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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