How to pronounce layperson
Say it like LAY-pur-sun. Layperson has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (LAY).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce layperson. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- LAY
- pur
- sun
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Layperson pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- LAYSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
- purKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
- sunKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of layperson
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: LAY-pur-sun.
What does layperson mean?
- A person who is not a cleric.
- One who is not intimately familiar with a given subject or activity.“The book was written for professionals, but an intelligent layperson could understand most of it.”
Where does layperson come from?
A lay (“non-clergy, nonclergy”) + person, along the lines of layman.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying layperson
How do you pronounce layperson?
Say LAY-pur-sun. The American pronunciation is /ˈleɪpɝsən/. In British English it is /ˈleɪpɜːsən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in layperson?
Layperson has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (LAY). Broken into parts: LAY · pur · sun.
Is layperson pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈleɪpɜːsən/ (LAY-pur-sun).