Ordinary people Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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ordinary people

[ˈɔːrdn̩ˌɛri ˈpiːpəl ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

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
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. The new law is designed to help ordinary people. Ordinary people often face many challenges.
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. The festival is a celebration for the common folk. Politicians often forget about the needs of the common folk.
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. The average person spends about 2 hours on their phone daily. For the average person, this kind of diet can be hard to maintain.
regular people	Informal and colloquial, often used in casual conversation to emphasize normality and regularity among people. Regular people like you and me struggle with these issues. The story resonated with regular people all over the country.

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.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

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
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. She loves writing stories about the lives of ordinary people Ordinary people often face extraordinary challenges
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. Politicians should address the needs of the masses, not just the elite The new law was designed to appease the masses
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. In medieval times, commoners had very few rights compared to the nobility The king was beloved by the commoners
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. The new park was opened for the public The public reacted strongly to the new policy

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

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Philosophy

Philosophers like Martin Heidegger believed that understanding what it means to be ordinary can lead to deeper insights about existence.
Søren Kierkegaard viewed everyday experiences as crucial for personal development and self-identity.

Social Science

Sociology often studies ordinary people's roles in society, making sense of social structures through their daily actions.
The concept of 'everyday life' highlights how routine interactions shape cultural norms and values.

Literature

Many authors, like John Steinbeck in 'The Grapes of Wrath', focus on ordinary people's struggles to highlight broader societal issues.
In literature and film, the heroes or protagonists are often everyday people who rise to meet challenges, reflecting real-life journeys.

Pop Culture

Reality TV shows often portray ordinary people's lives, emphasizing genuine experiences and relatable struggles.
The phrase 'average Joe' is commonly used in media to represent the typical person without special skills or fame.

History

Throughout history, ordinary people's efforts have led to significant changes, such as during the Civil Rights Movement, where everyday individuals fought for equality.
In times of conflict, such as wars, the experiences of ordinary soldiers often reveal a more relatable aspect of history compared to political leaders.

Origin of 'ordinary people'

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.