Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Of or relating to the common people: Describes something belonging to, characteristic of, or associated with the ordinary citizens, especially those of lower social or economic status, as opposed to the aristocracy or elite.
   • Lacking in refinement or sophistication; common, vulgar: Describes tastes, manners, or behaviors considered crude, unsophisticated, or typical of the masses.

2. Noun:

   • A member of the common people; a commoner: Refers to an ordinary person, especially one from a lower social class in ancient Rome (plebs) or in a general historical/social context.

Examples of Usage

• Adjective:

  • The politician tried to adopt a more plebeian style to connect with voters.
  • Critics dismissed the art as mere plebeian entertainment, lacking depth.
  • He was scornful of what he called their plebeian tastes in food and music.

• Noun:

  • In ancient Rome, a plebeian could not hold the highest offices.
  • The decree was meant to protect the rights of the plebeians.
  • She proudly identified as a plebeian, championing the cause of the working class.

Advanced Usage

• "Plebeian origins": Refers to someone's background coming from the common people.

  • Despite his plebeian origins, he rose to become a respected scholar.

• Used in a derogatory or condescending manner by those considering themselves superior to describe people or things they view as lowly or uncultured.

  • The aristocrat sneered at the plebeian crowd gathering in the square.

Variants and Related Words

• Plebe (n): In modern usage, a freshman at a military or naval academy (like West Point). This is a distinct, specialized meaning.
• Plebs (n, plural): The common people of ancient Rome; informally used to refer to ordinary people.
• Plebeianism (n): The state or quality of being plebeian; commonness.

Synonyms

• Adjective: common, vulgar, lowbrow, unrefined, coarse, popular, proletarian.
• Noun: commoner, proletarian, everyman, one of the masses.

Antonyms

• Adjective: aristocratic, patrician, noble, refined, sophisticated, highbrow, elite.
• Noun: aristocrat, patrician, noble, elite.

Related Idioms/Phrases

• "Plebeian tastes": A common phrase used to describe preferences considered unsophisticated or mainstream.
  • His love for fast food and action movies was dismissed as plebeian tastes by his art-school friends.

Adjective

1. of or associated with the great masses of people
   • the common people in those days suffered greatly
   • behavior that branded him as common
   • his square plebeian nose
   • a vulgar and objectionable person
   • the unwashed masses

Noun

1. one of the common people