Definition

Noun 1. The common people generally; the ordinary people who form the majority of a population, often considered as a group distinct from the elite or ruling class. * This term refers to the collective body of ordinary individuals in a society, typically characterized by their large numbers and lack of special privilege, power, or high social status.

Usage

The word "masses" is a plural noun used to describe people collectively. It often carries a sociological or political connotation, contrasting the general populace with a smaller, more powerful group (e.g., the elite, the government, the aristocracy). It can be used in both neutral/descriptive and critical contexts.

Examples

• The new policy was designed to appeal to the masses.
• The revolution was fueled by the discontent of the masses.
• He was a leader who truly understood the needs of the masses.
• The film was a popular success, entertaining the masses.
• Some critics argue that the media often underestimates the intelligence of the masses.

Advanced Usage

• "The masses": This is the most common form, almost always used with the definite article "the." It functions as a collective singular noun in terms of verb agreement when referring to the group as a single entity (e.g., ), though plural agreement is also common (e.g., ).
• "Mass" (singular): While "masses" refers specifically to people, the singular form "mass" can refer to a large, undifferentiated body or quantity of anything (e.g., a of data, a of clouds). In a social context, "the mass" is less common than "the masses" for referring to people.

Variants and Related Words

• Mass (noun): A large body of matter with no definite shape; a large number or amount. (e.g., ).
• Mass (adjective): Involving or affecting large numbers of people. (e.g., ).
• Massify (verb, rare): To make something accessible or appealing to the masses.

Synonyms

• The common people
• The populace
• The public
• The multitude
• The rank and file
• The hoi polloi

Idioms and Phrases

• To appeal to the masses: To be designed to be popular or liked by ordinary people.
  • The politician's simple message was crafted to appeal to the masses.
• A man/woman of the masses: A person, especially a leader, who is perceived to understand and represent the interests of ordinary people.
  • Despite his wealth, he campaigned as a man of the masses.

Noun

1. the common people generally
   • separate the warriors from the mass
   • power to the people