What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
layman
Example
As a layman, I find it difficult to understand the technical jargon used by scientists. [layman: noun]
Example
The book was written in layman's terms so that anyone could understand the concepts. [layman's: adjective]
novice
Example
She is a novice at playing the guitar and has only been practicing for a few weeks. [novice: noun]
Example
He made some novice mistakes while trying to fix the car engine. [novice: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Layman is more commonly used than novice in everyday language, as it is a more general term that can be applied to a wide range of situations. Novice is more commonly used in formal or technical contexts, where a more specific term is needed to describe someone who is new to a particular field or skill.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between layman and novice?
Novice is generally considered more formal than layman, as it is often used in technical or professional contexts to describe someone who is new to a particular field or skill. Layman, on the other hand, is more casual and can be used in a wider range of contexts.
