Ordinary people: meaning, definitions and examples
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ordinary people
[ ˈɔːrdn̩ˌɛri ˈpiːpəl ]
everyday life
Ordinary people are those who are not famous or extraordinary, just regular individuals living their lives.
Synonyms
average person, common folk, regular people.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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ordinary people |
Used to describe people who are not famous, wealthy, or in power. Often used in general conversations to talk about the typical public.
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common folk |
Used in a more informal or traditional context to refer to everyday people, can have a slightly old-fashioned or colloquial tone. Sometimes used to contrast the wealthy or elite.
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average person |
Implies statistical commonality, focusing on the typical characteristics of an individual in a given population. Often used in discussions involving data or comparisons.
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regular people |
Informal and colloquial, often used in casual conversation to emphasize normality and regularity among people.
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Examples of usage
- He preferred to spend time with ordinary people rather than celebrities.
- Ordinary people can make a big difference in the world.
- She wrote a book about the struggles of ordinary people.
society
In a broader sense, ordinary people refer to the general population of a community or country.
Synonyms
commoners, the masses, the public.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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ordinary people |
Refers to typical, everyday individuals without any special status or distinction. Used in most general contexts where there is no need to emphasize class or social structure.
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the masses |
Used when referring to a large group of ordinary people, often in contrast to a smaller, more elite group. It can imply that the group is faceless or lacking individuality.
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commoners |
Historically or in a class-based society, this term describes individuals who are not part of the nobility or aristocracy. It can sometimes have a slightly negative connotation, implying a lower social status.
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the public |
Refers to the general population or community as a whole. Often used in contexts relating to social policies, media, and services provided by the government or public institutions.
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Examples of usage
- The policies should benefit ordinary people, not just the elite.
- It's important to listen to the needs of ordinary people when making decisions.
- The government should prioritize the well-being of ordinary people.
Translations
Translations of the word "ordinary people" in other languages:
🇵🇹 pessoas comuns
🇮🇳 साधारण लोग
🇩🇪 gewöhnliche Leute
🇮🇩 orang biasa
🇺🇦 звичайні люди
🇵🇱 zwykli ludzie
🇯🇵 普通の人々
🇫🇷 gens ordinaires
🇪🇸 gente común
🇹🇷 sıradan insanlar
🇰🇷 일반 사람들
🇸🇦 أناس عاديون
🇨🇿 obyčejní lidé
🇸🇰 obyčajní ľudia
🇨🇳 普通人
🇸🇮 navadni ljudje
🇮🇸 venjulegt fólk
🇰🇿 қарапайым адамдар
🇬🇪 ჩვეულებრივი ადამიანები
🇦🇿 adi insanlar
🇲🇽 gente común
Etymology
The term 'ordinary people' dates back to the Middle Ages, where it was used to distinguish commoners from nobility. Over time, the phrase has evolved to represent the majority of society who are not part of the ruling class or celebrities. Ordinary people play a crucial role in shaping communities and societies.