layman
UK: ˈleɪmən | US: ˈleɪmən
n. a person without professional or specialized knowledge in a particular subject
n. a non-clergy member in religious contexts
The word "layman" originates from Old English læwed (non-clerical, uneducated) + man (person). Historically, it distinguished ordinary people from clergy or experts. The term evolved to broadly describe anyone lacking specialized knowledge in a field, reflecting societal divisions between trained professionals and the general public.
The doctor explained the procedure in terms a layman could understand.
As a layman in legal matters, he relied on his lawyer’s advice.
The workshop aimed to make complex science accessible to laymen.
In medieval times, laymen were often excluded from theological debates.
The manual was criticized for being too technical for laymen.