What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
laymen
Example
As a layman, I find it difficult to understand the technical jargon used by the scientists. [layman: noun]
Example
The book was written in layman's terms so that anyone could understand it. [layman's: adjective]
amateur
Example
She is an amateur photographer who enjoys taking pictures in her free time. [amateur: adjective]
Example
The band is made up of amateur musicians who play for fun. [amateur: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Layman is more commonly used than amateur in everyday language. Layman is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while amateur is less common and is usually associated with specific fields or interests.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between laymen and amateur?
While layman is typically associated with a casual and informal tone, amateur is often used in more formal contexts such as sports or arts competitions, where it is used to distinguish non-professionals from professionals.
