Meaning of "laity" in English

The term "laity" refers to the people of a religious faith who are not clergy members. It signifies the non-ordained members of a church, distinguishing them from the clergy or those in religious orders. The laity often play a crucial role in community activities, governance, and support within church operations but do not perform sacramental duties, which are reserved for ordained ministers. This term can also be used more generally to denote all people who are not experts or professionals in a particular field or subject.

Meaning of "laïcs" in French

In French, "laïcs" describes individuals who are part of a religious community but are not part of the clergy or have taken holy orders. These are laypersons who participate in religious life without being formally ordained within the church hierarchy. The role of "laïcs" can encompass support, service, and involvement in various community aspects, reflecting the broader sense of participation by non-professionals in religious contexts.

Pronunciation of "laity" in English

Phonetic Transcription: /ˈleɪ.ɪ.ti/

Pronunciation Variations: The pronunciation remains relatively consistent across different English-speaking regions, though slight variations in intonation or stress may occur based on local accents, such as in British or American English.

Pronunciation of "laïcs" in French

Phonetic Transcription: /la.ik/

Pronunciation Variations: In French, the pronunciation of "laïcs" typically remains uniform, though slight regional differences might occur, influenced by local dialects or accents in Francophone countries.

Sentence examples in English and translation to French

  1. The laity often participate in church meetings and activities. - Les laïcs participent souvent aux réunions et activités de l'église.
  2. The relationship between the clergy and the laity is vital for community life. - La relation entre le clergé et les laïcs est essentielle pour la vie communautaire.
  3. Many members of the laity volunteer their time for various church projects. - De nombreux membres laïcs consacrent leur temps à divers projets d'église.
  4. The laity played a crucial role in organizing the charity event. - Les laïcs ont joué un rôle crucial dans l'organisation de l'événement caritatif.
  5. Educational seminars were organized primarily for the laity. - Des séminaires éducatifs ont été organisés principalement pour les laïcs.
  6. The distinction between the clergy and the laity is sometimes blurred in practice. - La distinction entre le clergé et les laïcs est parfois floue dans la pratique.
  7. The laity supports the clergy by participating in choirs and teaching. - Les laïcs soutiennent le clergé en participant aux chorales et en enseignant.
  8. Engaging the laity in decision-making improves governance. - Impliquer les laïcs dans la prise de décision améliore la gouvernance.
  9. Publications were made available to educate the laity on church history. - Des publications ont été mises à disposition pour éduquer les laïcs sur l'histoire de l'église.
  10. The meeting addressed how the laity could better serve the community. - La réunion a abordé comment les laïcs pouvaient mieux servir la communauté.

Synonyms, antonyms, and similar words for "laity" in English

Synonyms: laypeople, non-clergy, congregation, believers, parishioners, followers, worshippers, devotees, community, laics.

Antonyms: clergy, ministers, priests, clergy members, religious leaders, ordained, priesthood, pastorate, monastics, clerics.

Similar Words: congregation, community, populace, members, attendees, gathering, assembly, fellowship, congregation, crowds.

Synonyms, antonyms, and similar words for "laïcs" in French

Synonyms: profanes, séculiers, membres, paroissiens, fidèles, croyants, adeptes, communauté, dévots, laïques.

Antonyms: clergé, prêtres, ecclésiastiques, religieux, ordonnés, pasteurs, monastiques, cléricaux, ministres, abbés.

Similar Words: communauté, congrégation, rassemblement, assemblée, membres, participants, fidèles, profanes, séculiers, compagnons.

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