Definition

Noun: * The voice of the people; public opinion: A Latin phrase used in English to refer to the beliefs, opinions, or sentiment held by the majority of the general public.

Usage

"Vox populi" is used as a singular noun to formally or rhetorically refer to the collective opinion of the populace. It often carries a sense of authority derived from its widespread acceptance. * The senator claimed his policy was simply the vox populi. * In a democracy, the vox populi should guide major decisions.

Examples

• vox populi.
• vox populi
• vox populi.

Advanced Usage

• "Vox populi, vox Dei": A Latin proverb meaning "The voice of the people is the voice of God." This phrase is sometimes used, though controversially, to assert that popular opinion is inherently right or should hold supreme authority.
  • The revolutionary leaders invoked the principle of vox populi, vox Dei to justify their actions.

Variants and Related Words

• Vox pop (n.): A common abbreviated and informal version of "vox populi," especially used in media contexts to refer to short interviews with members of the public.
  • The news segment included a vox pop from shoppers in the city center.

Synonyms

• Public opinion
• Popular sentiment
• The will of the people
• Consensus
• Prevailing view

Idioms and Phrases

• To heed/ignore the vox populi: To pay attention to or disregard public opinion.
  • A wise leader knows when to heed the vox populi.
• The vox populi has spoken: A declarative phrase used to state that the public has made its opinion clear.
  • With the referendum result, the vox populi has spoken.

Noun

1. a belief or sentiment shared by most people; the voice of the people
   • he asked for a poll of public opinion