What does "laic" mean?
A layperson as opposed to a cleric, i.e. not a member of the clergy.
Laic
/ˈleɪ.ɪk/ adj, noun
adj, noun ·Uncommon ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A layperson as opposed to a cleric, i.e. not a member of the clergy.
- Grammar: laic is listed as adj, noun.
- Nearest alternatives: lay, secular, brother, catechumen.
- Useful contrasts: brahminic, clerical, clerical administrator.
- Usage evidence: Laic and laicist derive from the same root. Why did their meanings diverge? What meaning do they share? Both apply to people who believe that the well-being of societies requires that religious doctrines and churches do not interfere with the functioning of the state. To the laic, this end is reached when the state refrains from taking side with one confession against one or more other confessions, from supporting one citizen at the expense of another because of his or her religion. From an ideal—typical perspective, a laic state shows and practices neutrality between different confessions. To the laicist state, this is fine but not enough; neutrality between confessions is the goal, and state institutions have the responsibility to create egalitarian conditions. The state's job is to actively provide an environment equally propitious to believers in some God, agnostics, and atheists, and to stifle any attempt at endorsing confessional discriminations or church interference in public life.
How to use "laic"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "laic" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "laic" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "laic" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "laic" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "laic" is acting as adj, noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "lay" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "laic", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A layperson as opposed to a cleric, i.e. not a member of the clergy.
"Laic and laicist derive from the same root. Why did their meanings diverge? What meaning do they share? Both apply to people who believe that the well-being of societies requires that religious doctrines and churches do not interfere with the functioning of the state. To the laic, this end is reached when the state refrains from taking side with one confession against one or more other confessions, from supporting one citizen at the expense of another because of his or her religion. From an ideal—typical perspective, a laic state shows and practices neutrality between different confessions. To the laicist state, this is fine but not enough; neutrality between confessions is the goal, and state institutions have the responsibility to create egalitarian conditions. The state's job is to actively provide an environment equally propitious to believers in some God, agnostics, and atheists, and to stifle any attempt at endorsing confessional discriminations or church interference in public life."
Adjective
- 1 Lay, relating to laypersons, as opposed to clerical.
"1644, John Milton, Areopagitica And in conclusion it reflects to the disrepute of our ministers ... [that] they should still be frequented with such an unprincipled, unedified and laic rabble, as that the whiff of every new pamphlet should stagger them out of their catechism and Christian walking."
Adjective
- 1 characteristic of those who are not members of the clergy wordnet
Example
"Laic and laicist derive from the same root. Why did their meanings diverge? What meaning do they share? Both apply to people who believe that the well-being of societies requires that religious doctrines and churches do not interfere with the functioning of the state. To the laic, this end is reached when the state refrains from taking side with one confession against one or more other confessions, from supporting one citizen at the expense of another because of his or her religion. From an ideal—typical perspective, a laic state shows and practices neutrality between different confessions. To the laicist state, this is fine but not enough; neutrality between confessions is the goal, and state institutions have the responsibility to create egalitarian conditions. The state's job is to actively provide an environment equally propitious to believers in some God, agnostics, and atheists, and to stifle any attempt at endorsing confessional discriminations or church interference in public life."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "laic"?
Common synonyms include: lay, secular, brother, catechumen, churchman, civil.
How do you use "laic" in a sentence?
Laic and laicist derive from the same root. Why did their meanings diverge? What meaning do they share? Both apply to people who believe that the well-being of societies requires that religious doctrines and churches do not interfere with the functioning of the state. To the laic, this end is reached when the state refrains from taking side with one confession against one or more other confessions, from supporting one citizen at the expense of another because of his or her religion. From an ideal—typical perspective, a laic state shows and practices neutrality between different confessions. To the laicist state, this is fine but not enough; neutrality between confessions is the goal, and state institutions have the responsibility to create egalitarian conditions. The state's job is to actively provide an environment equally propitious to believers in some God, agnostics, and atheists, and to stifle any attempt at endorsing confessional discriminations or church interference in public life.
How do you pronounce "laic"?
Pronounced /ˈleɪ.ɪk/.
Etymology
From French laïque, from Latin lāicus (“common people”), from Ancient Greek λαός (laós). Doublet of lay.