Word-Built World: plebeian

Distributing bread to plebeians
A fresco from PompeiiImage: Marie-Lan Nguyen / Wikimedia

A.Word.A.Daywith Anu Garg

plebeian

PRONUNCIATION:(pluh-BEE-uhn) 


MEANING:

adjective:1. Belonging to or relating to the common people.
 2. Relating to or characteristic of lower social classes.
 3. Common; vulgar.
noun:1. A commoner.
 2. A member of the lower social class.

NOTES:

In ancient Rome, plebeians or plebs were commoners who held lower social and political status compared to patricians, who were of higher social rank.
ETYMOLOGY:

From Latin plebeius (of the common people), from plebs (common people). Earliest documented use: 1533.

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