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Peasant Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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peasant

[หˆpษ›zษ™nt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

historical

A peasant is a poor farmer of low social status who owns or rents a small piece of land for cultivation. Peasants typically live in rural areas and rely on agriculture for their livelihood.

Synonyms

agriculturist, countryman, farmer.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
peasant

Used to describe rural people, especially in historical or class contexts. Often has a connotation of poverty or low social status.

  • In the medieval times, peasants had very few rights
  • The peasants worked hard on the lord's land
farmer

A general term for someone who works on or owns a farm, growing crops or raising animals. It is neutral and broadly used in everyday language.

  • The farmer wakes up early every day to take care of the livestock
  • She is a successful farmer who grows organic vegetables
agriculturist

Used to refer to a person who is skilled in or studies the science of farming and agriculture. Typically used in a professional or academic context.

  • Dr
  • Smith is a renowned agriculturist who has developed new farming techniques
  • The conference was attended by many leading agriculturists
countryman

Refers to a person who lives in the countryside or someone who shares the same nationality. Often used to highlight connection to rural areas.

  • He is a countryman who enjoys the simple life away from the city
  • My fellow countryman helped me during my travels abroad

Examples of usage

  • The peasants worked hard in the fields to grow their crops.
  • Life was difficult for the peasants during the feudal system.
Context #2 | Noun

informal

In modern usage, a peasant may refer derogatorily to a person who is considered uncultured, uneducated, or unsophisticated.

Synonyms

commoner, rural dweller, villager.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
peasant

This word is typically used to describe a poor farmer of low social status who works on the land. It often carries a historical context and can have a somewhat negative connotation when used today to describe someone.

  • The peasants toiled in the fields from dawn till dusk
  • In medieval times, peasants had very few rights
commoner

This term is used to describe an ordinary person without noble rank or title. It usually doesn't carry a negative connotation and is often used in historical or socio-political discussions.

  • In the past, commoners could not become knights
  • The queen married a commoner, breaking royal tradition
villager

This is a neutral term used to describe someone who lives in a village. It emphasizes the specific setting of a small community.

  • The villagers gathered in the square for the festival
  • Villagers often rely on each other for support
rural dweller

This term neutrally describes someone who lives in the countryside, away from cities and towns. It is often used in sociological or demographic contexts.

  • Rural dwellers often have limited access to healthcare
  • The study focused on the daily lives of rural dwellers

Examples of usage

  • He was mocked for his peasant-like manners.
  • She was insulted by being called a peasant.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The term comes from the Middle French word 'paisant', which means 'of the country'.
  • In medieval Europe, peasants were the backbone of the economy, working the land and producing food for the population.
  • Many peasants in history were tied to the land they worked on, often bound by feudal obligations.

Social Structure

  • Peasants were often part of a hierarchy, below nobility but crucial to sustaining the community.
  • In many societies, they had limited rights and were sometimes subject to the demands of landowners.
  • The lifestyle of a peasant varied widely, depending on the region and time period, influencing culture and traditions.

Cultural Representations

  • Peasants appear in numerous literary works, often depicted as hardworking individuals whose lives reflect the struggles of the common people.
  • In art, peasants are frequently celebrated as symbols of simplicity and connection to the earth.
  • Folk tales across cultures often feature peasant characters who display wisdom and resilience despite their hardships.

Modern Usage

  • Today, the term can sometimes carry a pejorative meaning, indicating someone seen as uneducated or uncultured.
  • In contemporary discussions, โ€˜peasantโ€™ can refer to small-scale farmers in developing countries, highlighting the global agricultural system.
  • Modern peasant movements advocate for sustainable farming practices and farmers' rights, reflecting a return to traditional methods.

Origin of 'peasant'

The word 'peasant' comes from the 15th-century French word 'paรฏsant', which means 'inhabitant of the countryside'. Peasants have been integral to agricultural societies throughout history, working the land and contributing to the economy. While the term can have negative connotations in some contexts, peasants have played a vital role in food production and rural communities.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,765 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.