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Peasants: meaning, definitions and examples

๐ŸŒพ
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peasants

 

[ หˆpษ›zษ™nts ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

rural life

Peasants are farmers or agricultural workers, especially in a traditional society where they are tied to the land they cultivate. They often live in small villages and work on farms to grow crops and raise livestock.

Synonyms

agricultural workers, country folk, farmers.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
peasants

Used to describe traditional, often poor, rural workers who usually farm on a small scale. The term can have a negative or outdated connotation.

  • In medieval times, the majority of people were peasants working the land
  • The peasants struggled to make a living in the harsh countryside
farmers

Specifically refers to individuals who own or manage a farm, growing crops or raising animals. This term is neutral and widely used.

  • The farmers planted corn and wheat this season
  • Farmers are vital to the economy and food supply
agricultural workers

Refers to anyone working in the agriculture industry, including the planting, growing, and harvesting of crops. This term is more neutral and modern.

  • The agricultural workers harvested the crops in the fields
  • Improving conditions for agricultural workers should be a priority
country folk

A friendly, informal way to refer to people living in rural areas, often implying a simple and traditional lifestyle.

  • The country folk are known for their hospitality and close-knit communities
  • The country folk enjoyed a peaceful life away from the hustle and bustle of the city

Examples of usage

  • The peasants in the village work hard in the fields to grow wheat and vegetables.
  • Life for the peasants was difficult, with long hours of labor in the fields.
Context #2 | Noun

historical context

In medieval times, peasants were often considered the lowest social class, living in poverty and working under the control of feudal lords. They had limited rights and were subject to heavy taxation.

Synonyms

peons, serfs, villagers.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
peasants

Typically used to describe rural farmers, especially in a historical context. It can have a neutral or slightly negative connotation, suggesting poverty or a low social status.

  • In medieval times, peasants worked long hours in the fields.
  • The peasants lived in small cottages on the lord's land.
serfs

Refers specifically to the agricultural laborers bound under the feudal system in medieval Europe. They were attached to the land they worked on and had very few rights.

  • Serfs were required to provide labor services to their lords.
  • The life of a serf in medieval Europe was extremely difficult.
peons

Often used in a derogatory way to describe workers or laborers, especially in a colonial context. It suggests a lack of freedom or autonomy.

  • The company treated its workers like mere peons.
  • Peons in the coffee plantations worked under harsh conditions.
villagers

A neutral term used to describe people living in a village. It does not necessarily imply any particular economic status.

  • The villagers gathered at the market square for the festival.
  • Villagers in the area are known for their traditional crafts.

Examples of usage

  • The peasants revolted against the oppressive rule of the feudal lords.
  • Peasants often struggled to make ends meet and provide for their families.

Translations

Translations of the word "peasants" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น camponeses

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค•เคฟเคธเคพเคจ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Bauern

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ petani

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ัะตะปัะฝะธ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ chล‚opi

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ่พฒๆฐ‘ (ใฎใ†ใฟใ‚“)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท paysans

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ campesinos

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท kรถylรผler

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋†๋ฏผ (nongmin)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ูู„ุงุญูˆู† (fallฤแธฅลซn)

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ rolnรญci

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ rolnรญci

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅ†œๆฐ‘ (nรณngmรญn)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ kmetje

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ bรฆndur

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ัˆะฐั€ัƒะฐะปะฐั€

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ’แƒšแƒ”แƒฎแƒ”แƒ‘แƒ˜ (glekhebi)

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ kษ™ndlilษ™r

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ campesinos

Etymology

The word 'peasants' originated from the Latin word 'paganus', which referred to a country dweller. In medieval Europe, peasants formed the backbone of the agricultural workforce and were crucial to the economy. They played a significant role in shaping the social structure of feudal societies.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,583 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.