What does laic mean?
Laic is a formal word relating to laypeople or to matters that are not under clerical authority. It is most often used as an adjective, as in “laic education” or “laic organisation,” where it identifies something as independent of religious clergy rather than necessarily hostile to religion. The word can also mean “secular,” although it often carries the more specific implication that ecclesiastical or clerical authority is excluded. As a noun, a laic is a member of the laity, meaning a person who belongs to the general population of believers rather than to the clergy. Laic is relatively uncommon in everyday speech; lay is generally preferred in neutral contexts, while secular may be more suitable when the intended contrast is with religious activity in general. The term is particularly common in academic, legal, and institutional discussions of church-state relations and the organisation of religious communities.
Relating to people who are not clergy, or to matters outside ecclesiastical authority.
"The committee insisted that the review remain laic."
A formal and specialized adjective, especially common in institutional, legal, and religious contexts.
A member of the laity; a layperson.
"The laics among the congregation were invited to contribute proposals."
This noun is uncommon; layperson is normally more natural.
The plural is grammatical but rarely needed because the noun itself is uncommon in modern English.
"The delegates included clergy and laics from several parishes."
Laic comes from a Greek word meaning “of the people,” giving it an unexpectedly democratic lineage for a term associated with the opposition to clerical authority.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does laic come from?
The word comes through Late Latin laicus, meaning “of the people” or “not clerical,” from Greek laikos, which was derived from laos, “people.” The same root developed into English words including lay, laity, and layman, preserving the distinction between ordinary members of a religious community and ordained clergy.
Related word forms
How laic is actually used
Laic is formal and specialized, occurring especially in discussions of religion, education, institutions, and the relationship between church and state. It is related to secular but often places greater emphasis on the exclusion or independence of clergy.
Easily confused with laic
Lay can mean non-clerical when describing an institution or its members, whereas laic is a more formal and less common term with the same broad distinction.