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Definition of plebeianism - 2 dictionary results

ple⋅be⋅ian

  [pli-bee-uhn]
Use plebeianism in a Sentence
–adjective
1. belonging or pertaining to the common people.
2. of, pertaining to, or belonging to the ancient Roman plebs.
3. common, commonplace, or vulgar: a plebeian joke.
–noun
4. a member of the common people.
5. a member of the ancient Roman plebs.
Origin:
1525–35; < L plēbēi(us) of the plebs (plēbē(s) plebs + -ius adj. suffix) + -an

Related forms:
ple⋅be⋅ian⋅ism, noun
ple⋅be⋅ian⋅ly, adverb
ple⋅be⋅ian⋅ness, noun

Synonyms:
3. lowbrow, low, ordinary, popular.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To plebeianism
ple·be·ian   (plĭ-bē'ən)   
adj.  

  1. Of or relating to the common people of ancient Rome: a plebeian magistrate.

  2. Of, belonging to, or characteristic of commoners.

  3. Unrefined or coarse in nature or manner; common or vulgar: plebeian tastes.

n.  

  1. One of the common people of ancient Rome.

  2. A member of the lower classes.

  3. A vulgar or coarse person.


[From Latin plēbius, from plēbs, plēb-, the common people; see pelə-1 in Indo-European roots.]
ple·be'ian·ism n., ple·be'ian·ly adv.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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