Words / C2

LAYM-uh-n/ˈleɪmən/

A layman is a person without specialised knowledge, or a non-cleric: in layman’s terms, a layman on the board. Amateur (already in the dictionary) is unpaid or unskilful — not the same as non-expert. The laity (this batch) is the group; jargon that hides the n is a cloak, not professionalism.

Meaning

A person without professional or specialised knowledge; also a non-cleric.

Examples

• “Write the methods so a layman can see the n; jargon is not a cloak.”
• “Amateur is unpaid or unskilful (already in B1) — the mix-up. The laity is the group (this batch). Plain (already in B2) is simple and clear. Precise terms can still be exact. A slogan-lexicon that never states the n is branding. Write the number; then the glossary.”

Good to know

A non-expert; a non-cleric. Everyday: non-specialist. Mix-up: amateur (unpaid / unskilful — already in B1). Group: laity (this batch). Jargon ≠ an n.

Near in meaning

non-expert, non-specialist, outsider, amateur

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