Definitions and Examples of plebeian, commoner
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
A member of the common people, especially in ancient Rome.
Example
In ancient Rome, plebeians were not allowed to hold public office or marry patricians.
A person who is not of noble rank or aristocracy; an ordinary citizen.
Example
The British royal family often marries commoners to show their openness and modernity.
Key Differences: plebeian vs commoner
- 1Plebeian refers specifically to the lower class in ancient Rome, while commoner is a more general term that can apply to any non-noble person.
- 2Patrician implies a higher social status or noble birth, while plebeian and commoner imply a lower or ordinary social status.
Effective Usage of plebeian, commoner
- 1History Lessons: Use patrician and plebeian to teach about ancient Rome's social structure.
- 2Social Commentary: Incorporate these antonyms in discussions about social inequality, classism, and privilege.
- 3Literary Analysis: Analyze how authors use these antonyms to depict characters' social status, values, and conflicts.
Remember this!
The antonyms of patrician are plebeian and commoner, which refer to lower social classes or non-noble people. Plebeian is specific to ancient Rome, while commoner is a more general term. Use these words to teach history, discuss social issues, and analyze literature.