Meaning of public in English

Table of contents
  1. Pronunciation
  2. Classifying Adjective
    1. Definitions
  3. Noun
    1. Definitions
  4. Qualitative Adjective
    1. Etymology
    2. Definitions

  1. Pronunciation

    /ˈpəblɪk/

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  1. Classifying Adjective

    public

    Definitions

    1. affecting the people or community as a whole

    Examples

    • « community leaders »
    • « community interests »
    • « the public welfare »

    Synonyms

  2. Noun

    public

    Definitions

    1. people in general considered as a whole

    Examples

    • « he is a hero in the eyes of the public »
  3. 2. a body of people sharing some common interest

    Examples

    • « the reading public »

  4. Qualitative Adjective

    public

    Etymology

    late Middle English: from Old French, from Latin publicus, blend of poplicus‘of the people’ (from populus‘people’) and pubes‘adult’

    Definitions

    1. not private

    Examples

    • « open to or concerning the people as a whole »
    • « the public good »
    • « public libraries »
    • « public funds »
    • « public parks »
    • « a public scandal »
    • « public gardens »
    • « performers and members of royal families are public figures »

    Synonyms

    Antonyms

Famous quotes

  • « There should be more attention paid to scientific research in the ecology area, and I think that such attention to proper environmental concerns would make the public feel much better about it. »
    Thomas R. Cech
  • « I didn't go to film school so my learning was done out in public and showed up on the screen. »
    Jonathan Demme
  • « The men who have guided the destiny of the United States have found the strength for their tasks by going to their knees. This private unity of public men and their God is an enduring source of reassurance for the people of America. »
    Lyndon B. Johnson
  • « More is required of public officials than slogans and handshakes and press releases. More is required. We must hold ourselves strictly accountable. We must provide the people with a vision of the future. »
    Barbara Jordan
  • « The public health of five million children should not be left to luck or chance. »
    Jamie Oliver

See also

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