Public: meaning, definitions and examples
👥
public
[ˈpʌblɪk ]
Definitions
in general use
Of or concerning the people as a whole.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| public |
Refers to things that are open or accessible to everyone. Often used in contexts related to society, government, or shared spaces.
|
| general |
Broad or non-specific. Used to refer to widespread concepts or ideas without going into details.
|
| common |
Describes something that is found frequently or shared by many people. Often used in contexts of shared attributes or widespread phenomena.
|
| collective |
Emphasizes a group or community working together or sharing something. Often used when discussing joint actions or shared responsibilities.
|
Examples of usage
- The public interest
- Public health
- Public opinion
in general use
The people in general.
Synonyms
community, population, society.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| public |
Use this word when referring to people in general, especially when they are considered as a group in a societal or civic sense. This term is often used in formal contexts such as government, policy, or media.
|
| population |
This term is typically used in a statistical or demographic context, referring to the number of people living in a specific area or belonging to a specific group. It can be used in scientific, economic, or healthcare discussions.
|
| community |
This word is suitable when referring to a group of people living in the same place or having a particular characteristic in common. It's often used to highlight a sense of belonging or collective identity.
|
| society |
This word is used when talking about people living together in organized communities with shared laws, norms, and values. It’s often used in a broader sense to discuss cultural, social, or political frameworks.
|
Examples of usage
- The beach was open to the public
- The museum is free to the public
less common
Open to or shared by all the people of an area or country.
Examples of usage
- The park is open to the public
- The meeting is public
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word comes from the Latin 'publicus,' meaning 'of the people.'
- It has been used in English since the 14th century to describe community matters.
- Historically, it contrasts with 'private,' which refers to personal, individual spaces.
Politics
- In democratic societies, 'public opinion' plays a crucial role in influencing government decisions.
- Public policies are frameworks developed by lawful authorities to govern community behavior.
- The concept of a 'public good' refers to resources or services accessible to all, like clean air.
Culture
- Public art installations, like murals or statues, reflect community voices and aesthetics.
- Public events, such as fairs or festivals, foster community spirit and cultural sharing.
- Public speaking is a skill valued across various cultures, vital for sharing ideas and inspiring others.
Science
- Public health focuses on protecting and improving the health of populations through education and policy.
- Public access to scientific research has increased in the digital age, promoting shared knowledge.
- Environmental studies often spotlight the importance of public involvement in sustainability efforts.
Media
- Public broadcasting provides news and entertainment funded by the government, aiming for unbiased reporting.
- Public relations is a strategic communication process that builds mutually beneficial relationships between organizations and the public.
- The rise of social media platforms has transformed how public discourse takes place, allowing immediate interaction and feedback.
Translations
Translations of the word "public" in other languages:
🇵🇹 público
🇮🇳 सार्वजनिक
🇩🇪 öffentlich
🇮🇩 umum
🇺🇦 публічний
🇵🇱 publiczny
🇯🇵 公共の
🇫🇷 public
🇪🇸 público
🇹🇷 kamu
🇰🇷 공공의
🇸🇦 عام
🇨🇿 veřejný
🇸🇰 verejný
🇨🇳 公共的
🇸🇮 javni
🇮🇸 opinber
🇰🇿 қоғамдық
🇬🇪 საჯარო
🇦🇿 ictimai
🇲🇽 público