laity — ordinary people who are not members of the clergy in a religious organization
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: ordinary people who are not members of the clergy in a religious organization
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈleɪəti/
Example Sentences
- The bishop decided to give more responsibilities to the laity after realizing they knew more about church finances than he did.
- The scientific journal published a simplified version of the research for the laity.
- During the medieval period, the laity had very little say in church matters.
laity
NOUN[/ˈleɪəti/]
ordinary people who are not members of the clergy in a religious organization

Ordinary church members, not clergy

The laity turns to gaiety!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Middle English and Old French laïté, derived from Late Latin laïcus meaning 'of or relating to lay people', which comes from Greek laïkos (from laos meaning 'people'). The word entered English through Norman French influence.
Breakdown
lay (people not of clergy) + -ity (noun suffix indicating a state or condition) = laity
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The bishop decided to give more responsibilities to the laity after realizing they knew more about church finances than he did.”
“The scientific journal published a simplified version of the research for the laity.”
“During the medieval period, the laity had very little say in church matters.”
“The doctor's explanation was so technical that even the educated laity left the meeting more confused than enlightened.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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