Masses Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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masses
[ˈmæsɪz ]
Definitions
large groups
Masses refer to large groups or quantities of people or things. It can also refer to the common people, as opposed to the elite or ruling class.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| masses |
Used to refer to a large and indistinct group of people, often in a sociopolitical context. Commonly implies the general population or the common people.
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| crowd |
Typically used to describe a large number of people gathered in one place, especially in a public space. It often conveys a sense of disorder or noise.
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| multitude |
Implies a very large number of people or things. Often used for emphasizing diversity or vastness of size and number. Carries a more literary or formal tone.
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Examples of usage
- The masses gathered in the square to protest against the government.
- She wanted to create art that would appeal to the masses.
- The politician promised to fight for the rights of the masses.
- The teacher struggled to control the masses of students in the classroom.
- The new technology was quickly adopted by the masses.
Catholic ritual
In the Roman Catholic Church, Masses are religious services that commemorate the Last Supper of Jesus Christ.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| masses |
Often used in a religious context to describe the celebration of the Eucharist or similar communal worship in Christianity.
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| service |
Describes a religious ceremony or formal acts of worship, but can also refer to acts of assistance or favor done for others.
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| ceremony |
Refers to a formal event that is performed on special occasions, often with rituals and traditions, such as weddings, graduations, or other significant events.
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| ritual |
Pertains to a set series of actions or type of behavior regularly and invariably followed by someone, often with spiritual or cultural significance.
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Examples of usage
- She attended Mass every Sunday at her local church.
- The priest conducted a special Mass for Easter Sunday.
- The local community came together for a Mass in memory of the deceased.
- The Mass was conducted in Latin.
- The Mass included prayers, hymns, and communion.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Sociology
- In sociology, 'masses' often refers to groups of people who share common characteristics or experiences, influencing social dynamics.
- Mass movements in history, like civil rights or labor movements, showed the power of large groups advocating for change.
- The term helps to analyze collective behavior, emphasizing emotions and actions of the crowd.
Physics
- In a scientific context, 'mass' relates to the amount of matter in an object, which influences its resistance to acceleration.
- Understanding mass is crucial in physics, affecting gravitational attraction in both cosmology and everyday life.
- Mass is a fundamental property that impacts how objects interact, helping us understand everything from planets to particles.
Pop Culture
- The term often appears in music and art, symbolizing collective human experience, like in songs about crowds or movements.
- Movies frequently portray dramatic scenes of masses, such as protests or celebrations, to highlight social themes.
- The idea of 'masses' is explored in literature, illustrating themes of individual versus collective identity.
Psychology
- 'Mass psychology' studies how people are influenced by group norms and behavior, especially in large gatherings.
- Understanding crowd behavior can shed light on phenomena like mob mentality or social contagion.
- Psychologists study how collective emotions, such as happiness or fear, spread among large groups.
Origin of 'masses'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'masses' comes from the Latin 'massa,' meaning a lump or mass of something.
- In the Middle Ages, 'masses' referred not only to large groups but also to church services.
- The transition from the Latin term to modern English reflects changes in how collective gatherings were perceived.
The word 'masses' originated from the Latin word 'massa', meaning 'a lump or a dough'. Over time, it evolved to refer to a large quantity of people or things. In the context of the Catholic Church, 'Mass' comes from the Latin 'Missa', meaning 'dismissal', which refers to the last part of the ritual where the congregation is dismissed. The term 'masses' has been in use for centuries across different contexts, reflecting the idea of a large collective group or a religious service.
See also: amass, mass, massacre, massage, masseur, masseuse, massive.