What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
commoner
Example
He was born a commoner but worked hard to achieve success. [commoner: noun]
Example
The commoners gathered in the town square to voice their concerns. [commoners: plural noun]
plebeian
Example
The plebeians were not allowed to participate in the political decision-making process. [plebeians: plural noun]
Example
She preferred simple pleasures and enjoyed mingling with the plebeian crowd. [plebeian: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Commoner is more commonly used than plebeian in everyday language. Commoner is a versatile term that can be used in various contexts, while plebeian is less common and may be used in more formal or literary settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between commoner and plebeian?
While commoner is a neutral term that can be used in both formal and informal contexts, plebeian is less common and may be more suitable for formal or literary situations.