Definition

Noun: 1. The common people; the general populace, as distinguished from those with noble, clerical, or other specific high rank or status. This refers to the ordinary citizens who do not belong to the aristocracy or the clergy. 2. A general group or body considered as a whole. This can refer to the majority within a larger collective.

Usage

The word "commonalty" is a formal and somewhat archaic term. It is used to collectively describe people of ordinary social rank, especially in historical contexts discussing feudal or class-based societies. It functions as a singular noun but refers to a collective group.

Examples

• The new law affected the commonalty far more than the nobility.
• In medieval Europe, the commonalty had few rights compared to the landowning lords.
• The poet wrote about the struggles and joys of the commonalty.

Advanced Usage

• "The commonalty of mankind": This phrase refers to the shared condition or characteristics of most human beings.
  • The philosopher spoke of a commonalty of mankind in our basic needs and desires.

Variants and Related Words

• Commoner (noun): An individual who is a member of the commonalty; a person not of noble rank.
  • He was a commoner who rose to great influence.
• Commonality (noun): CRITICAL: This is a different word. It refers to a shared feature or attribute; the state of having things in common.
  • The commonality between the two cultures was their respect for elders.

Synonyms

• Common people
• Populace
• The masses
• The third estate (historical context)
• Plebeians (historical context, especially Roman)

Antonyms

• Nobility
• Aristocracy
• Gentry
• Clergy

Noun

1. a class composed of persons lacking clerical or noble rank