PLEBEIAN Definition & Meaning

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plebeian

[pli-bee-uhn, plee-bee-uhn]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

adjective

belonging or pertaining to the common people.
of, relating to, or belonging to the ancient Roman plebs.
common, commonplace, or vulgar.
a plebeian joke.
Synonyms: , , ,

noun

a member of the common people.
a member of the ancient Roman plebs.

plebeian

/ ��əˈ��ːə�� /

adjective

of, relating to, or characteristic of the common people, esp those of Rome
lacking refinement; vulgar
plebeian tastes

noun

one of the common people, esp one of the Roman plebs
a person who is coarse or lacking in discernment

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Other 51�Թ� Forms

plebeianism noun
plebeianly adverb
plebeianness noun
unplebeian adjective
��ˈ��𾱲��ˌ�� noun

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51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of plebeian¹

First recorded in 1525–35; from Latin ��ŧ��ŧ��(�ܲ�) “of the plebs” ( ��ŧ��ŧ(��) “the common people” + -ius adjective suffix) + -an adjective suffix; plebs

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51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of plebeian¹

C16: from Latin ��ŧ��ŧ��ܲ� belonging to the people, from ��ŧ�� the common people of ancient Rome

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Gibbon anticipated — and Augustus mastered — something very much like Trump’s false bonding with plebeians:

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Its practical function: No one, neither courtier nor plebeian, could stand close to the queen, conspicuous in her splendid isolation.

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But the filmmakers have given him an all-access pass, from plebeian alleyways to marbled halls of power, and he is forever walking in unannounced on people who could literally have his head.

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But there are good deals for us plebeians if you know where to look.

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Yet even those of us with plebeian intellects can enjoy ingenious murders and cozy mayhem — especially on these long nights of winter.

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plebe plebiscite

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