People: meaning, definitions and examples

Used generally to refer to a group of human beings, without specifying nationality, citizenship, or other distinctions. This is common in everyday conversation.

• There are many people at the concert.
• People often enjoy traveling during the summer.

Used when emphasizing a single person within a group, often in more formal or specific contexts, such as legal or academic discussions.

• The law protects the rights of individuals.
• Individuals must submit their applications by the deadline.

Best for describing the total number of people in a specific area or group, usually in a statistical or demographic context.

• The city has a population of over a million people.
• Scientists are studying the effects of climate change on the population.

Best used when referring to members of a specific country, city, or town who have certain rights and responsibilities.

• Citizens of the country are voting today.
• The mayor addressed the citizens in his speech.

Use this term when referring to a group of persons collectively.

• There were a lot of people at the concert
• People are social creatures

This term highlights a single person in the context of distinguishing them from a group or focusing on their uniqueness.

• Each individual has their own strengths and weaknesses
• He treated her as an individual, not just part of the team

Use this term when referring to a single human in a general and neutral context.

• She is a nice person
• I met a kind person at the store

This term emphasizes the biological aspect of a person and is often used in philosophical or formal discussions.

• Every human being deserves respect
• Human beings have the capacity for complex thought

General term used to describe human beings collectively.

• Many people attended the concert.
• People from different cultures live together in this city.

Used to describe the act of filling a place with people or beings, often implying a process or action of increasing numbers.

• The new housing project will help populate the town.
• Scientists plan to populate the newly created biosphere with various plant species.

Typically used in a more formal or scientific context to describe living or dwelling in a place.

• Polar bears inhabit the Arctic region.
• Various species inhabit the rainforest.

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.

• The family will occupy the house during the summer.
• The army will occupy the building until the conflict ends.