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laityordinary 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
💡 Concept

Ordinary church members, not clergy

The laity turns to gaiety!
🎵 Rhyme

The laity turns to gaiety!

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˈleɪəti/
🇬🇧 UK/ˈleɪəti/

🌳Etymology

Rootlai-
Suffix--ty

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

gaietyiety
gaiety
iety

🔗Collocations

the laity
educated laity
laity and clergy
involvement of the laity
laity's understanding
consult the laity
empower the laity

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

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.

😄 Fun example

The doctor's explanation was so technical that even the educated laity left the meeting more confused than enlightened.

📚Related Words

Synonyms

laypeoplecongregationparishionersordinary peoplenon-professionals

Antonyms

clergypriesthoodprofessionals

Related

secularlaypersoncivilianamateurnon-expert

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