lawyer
LAW-yuh
Lawyer (noun) means a person qualified to advise on or represent others in legal matters. Example: “She hired a lawyer to review the contract before signing.”
noun
1
A person qualified to advise on or represent others in legal matters.
"She hired a lawyer to review the contract before signing."
"His lawyer argued the case successfully in court."
"My sister trained for years to become a lawyer who helps families."
How to use lawyer
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone trained and licensed to practise law.
Common mistake
In the US, "lawyer" and "attorney" are often used interchangeably; in the UK, the roles split into "solicitor" and "barrister."
Easily confused with
Common pairings
hire a lawyer
consult a lawyer
defense lawyer
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Word forms
- Plural
- lawyers
- Third person singular
- lawyers
- Past tense
- lawyered
Fill the gap
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She hired a _____ to review the contract before signing.
Etymology
From Middle English lawiere — "law" plus the agent suffix "-yer."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
non-lawyer
Related words
Rhymes for lawyer
See all rhymes for lawyer →Frequently asked questions
What does “lawyer” mean?
The word “lawyer” means a person qualified to advise on or represent others in legal matters. In plain terms, someone trained and licensed to practise law.
How do you pronounce “lawyer”?
“Lawyer” is pronounced LAW-yuh (/ˈlɔɪ.ɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “lawyer” in a sentence?
Here is “lawyer” used in a sentence: “She hired a lawyer to review the contract before signing.”
What is another word for “lawyer”?
Words with a similar meaning to “lawyer” include abogado, advocate, attorney, avocat, counsel and counselor.
What is the opposite of “lawyer”?
The opposite of “lawyer” — its antonyms — is non-lawyer.
What part of speech is “lawyer”?
“Lawyer” is a noun.
Where does the word “lawyer” come from?
The word “lawyer” comes from Middle English. From Middle English lawiere — "law" plus the agent suffix "-yer.".
Is “lawyer” a common word?
“Lawyer” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
What is the difference between a lawyer and an attorney?
A lawyer is anyone qualified in law and able to advise on legal matters. An attorney, short for attorney-at-law, is a lawyer licensed to represent clients in court. In everyday American usage the words overlap, but strictly every attorney is a lawyer, while not every lawyer practises as an attorney.
What is the difference between a lawyer and a solicitor?
In the UK, lawyer is the general term, while a solicitor is a specific kind who advises clients and handles paperwork, mostly out of court. A barrister, by contrast, argues cases in the higher courts. Americans rarely use solicitor this way, which is why the terms confuse readers across different countries.
What are the different types of lawyers?
Lawyers usually specialise by area of law. Common types include criminal, family, corporate, immigration, employment, personal-injury, tax, and intellectual-property lawyers. Some focus on advising clients and drafting documents, while others concentrate on courtroom advocacy. The specialism shapes the daily work, from writing contracts to defending clients at trial.
What does a lawyer actually do?
A lawyer advises people and organisations on their legal rights, drafts documents such as contracts and wills, negotiates on a client's behalf, and may represent them in court. Much of the work is research and paperwork rather than dramatic trials. At its core, the role is guiding clients through the law.
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