People Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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people
[ˈpiːpəl ]
Definitions
group of individuals
Humans regarded collectively as the members of a particular society or community. People are social beings who interact with each other in various ways. The concept of people is fundamental to the study of sociology and anthropology. People have the capacity for language, culture, and complex social structures.
Synonyms
citizens, individuals, population.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| people |
Used generally to refer to a group of human beings, without specifying nationality, citizenship, or other distinctions. This is common in everyday conversation.
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| individuals |
Used when emphasizing a single person within a group, often in more formal or specific contexts, such as legal or academic discussions.
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| population |
Best for describing the total number of people in a specific area or group, usually in a statistical or demographic context.
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| citizens |
Best used when referring to members of a specific country, city, or town who have certain rights and responsibilities.
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Examples of usage
- People around the world speak different languages.
- The rights of the people must be protected.
- People have the ability to create art and music.
person's identity
A person's identity in terms of their individuality and uniqueness. People have different personalities, beliefs, and experiences that shape who they are. Each person is a complex combination of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
Synonyms
human being, individual, person.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| people |
Use this term when referring to a group of persons collectively.
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| individual |
This term highlights a single person in the context of distinguishing them from a group or focusing on their uniqueness.
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| person |
Use this term when referring to a single human in a general and neutral context.
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| human being |
This term emphasizes the biological aspect of a person and is often used in philosophical or formal discussions.
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Examples of usage
- She is a creative person with a unique perspective.
- People express their individuality through fashion and art.
populate or inhabit
To populate or inhabit a place with individuals. People can refer to the action of filling a space with human inhabitants.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| people |
General term used to describe human beings collectively.
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| populate |
Used to describe the act of filling a place with people or beings, often implying a process or action of increasing numbers.
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| inhabit |
Typically used in a more formal or scientific context to describe living or dwelling in a place.
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| occupy |
Suggests taking up space or residing in a place, often used to describe temporary or strategic presence. Can have a slightly negative connotation when referring to taking control.
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Examples of usage
- The town is people by friendly residents.
- The island was once peopled by indigenous tribes.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Cultural Significance
- Every culture has its own understanding of community and family, shaping how people relate to each other.
- In many societies, stories and myths reflect the values and experiences of its people, illustrating their resilience and aspirations.
Psychology
- The way people interact with each other is influenced by social norms, which vary widely across cultures.
- Research shows that feeling connected to other people can boost your happiness and well-being.
Literature
- Many literary works explore the experiences and struggles of people, illustrating their complex lives and relationships.
- Authors like Charles Dickens often highlighted social issues by portraying the lives of everyday people in their novels.
Demographics
- As of 2023, the global population is over 8 billion people, showcasing the diversity of cultures, languages, and traditions.
- Population studies help governments understand social trends and plan for the future needs of their people.
Origin of 'people'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'people' originates from the Latin word 'populus', meaning 'the population or the nation'.
- In Old French, the term 'peuple' referred to a group of individuals connected by shared culture or social ties.
The word 'people' has its origins in the Latin word 'populus', which referred to a community or a group of individuals. Over time, the term evolved to encompass the collective identity of humans in a society. The concept of 'people' has been central to social and political discourse throughout history, shaping notions of citizenship, rights, and identity.
See also: depersonalization, depersonalize, depersonalizing, impersonate, impersonation, impersonator, nonperson, personable, personage, personages, personal, personalities, personality, personalizer, personally, personification, personified, personify, personifying, personnel, persons.