Definition

1. Noun:
   • The common people: "demos" refers to the ordinary people of a society, especially in ancient Greek contexts, as distinct from the elite or ruling class.
   • A political unit: In modern usage, "demos" can mean the populace of a democracy, considered as a collective body with political rights.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The demos of Athens gathered in the agora to discuss civic matters. (The common people of Athens assembled to debate public issues.)
  • A healthy democracy depends on an informed demos. (A well-functioning democratic system relies on an educated and engaged populace.)

Advanced Usage

• "demos as a political concept": In political theory, "demos" is often contrasted with "elite" or "oligarchy," emphasizing the role of ordinary citizens in governance.

  • The demos, not the aristocracy, should hold ultimate power in a democracy. (The common people, not the privileged few, should govern.)

• "the demos in historical context": In ancient Greece, "demos" could refer to a specific district or village within a city-state, as well as the general population.

  • Each demos in Attica had its own local assembly and officials. (Each rural district in ancient Athens had its own governing body.)

Variants and Related Words

• Democratic (adj): relating to or supporting democracy, a system where the demos governs.

  • The democratic process ensures the demos has a voice. (The system of government by the people guarantees the common people can speak.)

• Demography (n): the study of populations, derived from "demos" (people) and "graphy" (writing).

  • Demography examines changes in the size and composition of the demos. (The field of population studies looks at how the common people change over time.)

Synonyms

• Populace: the general public or the people living in a particular place.
• Commonalty: the common people, as opposed to the nobility or clergy.

Related Idioms

• The will of the demos: the collective opinion or desire of the ordinary people.

  • The new policy reflects the will of the demos. (The policy aligns with what the common people want.)

• Demos in the streets: a phrase emphasizing the active participation of ordinary citizens in public protest or political action.

  • The demos in the streets demanded fair elections. (Ordinary people protesting publicly called for honest voting.)