plebeian

[ pli-bee-uhn, plee-bee-uhn ]
See synonyms for: plebeianplebeians on Thesaurus.com

adjective
  1. belonging or pertaining to the common people.

  2. of, relating to, or belonging to the ancient Roman plebs.

  1. common, commonplace, or vulgar: a plebeian joke.

noun
  1. a member of the common people.

  2. a member of the ancient Roman plebs.

Origin of plebeian

1
First recorded in 1525–35; from Latin plēbēi(us) “of the plebs” (plēbē(s) “the common people” + -ius adjective suffix) + -an adjective suffix; see plebs

Other words for plebeian

Other words from plebeian

  • ple·be·ian·ism, noun
  • ple·be·ian·ly, adverb
  • ple·be·ian·ness, noun
  • un·ple·be·ian, adjective

Words Nearby plebeian

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How to use plebeian in a sentence

  • “Easy does it” is a phrase plucked from the plebeian lexicon of life, which we recommend for his consideration.

British Dictionary definitions for plebeian

plebeian

/ (pləˈbiːən) /


adjective
  1. of, relating to, or characteristic of the common people, esp those of Rome

  2. lacking refinement; vulgar: plebeian tastes

noun
  1. one of the common people, esp one of the Roman plebs

  2. a person who is coarse or lacking in discernment

Origin of plebeian

1
C16: from Latin plēbēius belonging to the people, from plēbs the common people of ancient Rome

Derived forms of plebeian

  • plebeianism, noun

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