What Is a Lawyer? Definition, Roles & Examples

Meaning 1：attorney (lawyer)

lawyer 🔊

/ˈlɔːjər/

A professional who studies the law and helps people with legal problems, such as in court or with documents.

Lawyer explaining document to client in modern office

attorney 🔊

➕

/əˈtɜːrni/

A professional who practices law, advises clients, and represents them in legal matters.

📁 Category：Social Roles 🔖 Level：beginner

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From 'law' (Old English 'lagu') + '-yer' (agent suffix).

💡 Mnemonic

Think 'law' + 'yer' – a person who says 'yer' (you're) right about the law.

📖 Example

My best friend is now a lawyer who helps small businesses with their contracts. 🔊 My best friend is now a lawyer who helps small businesses with their contracts.

🔗 Collocations

defense lawyer – a lawyer who represents the accused in a criminal case

corporate lawyer – a lawyer specializing in business and corporate legal matters

lawyer's office – the professional workplace of a lawyer

🔄 Synonyms

attorney (n.) – a person legally appointed to act for another, especially in legal matters

counselor (n.) – a lawyer who gives legal advice and represents clients in court

barrister (n.) – a lawyer who represents clients in higher courts, especially in the UK

🌱 Derivatives

lawyerly (adj.) – characteristic of a lawyer, especially in being skillful or meticulous

lawyering (n.) – the practice or profession of being a lawyer

lawyered (adj.) – represented or defended by a lawyer (informal)

📖 Cultural Story

Originating from Middle English 'lawier', it combines 'law' with the suffix '-ier'. Lawyers have been key figures in Western legal systems since ancient Rome, representing clients in court.