plebs Definition
ordinary people, especially those who are not rich or powerful.
Using plebs: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "plebs" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The politician claimed to be a man of the people, but he had no real connection to the plebs.
Example
The plebs were outraged by the government's decision to raise taxes.
Example
The play was a satire on the pretensions of the upper classes and the ignorance of the plebs.
Example
The plebs were easily swayed by the demagogues who promised them bread and circuses.
plebs Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for plebs
- proletariat
- commoners
- masses
Antonyms for plebs
Phrases with plebs
plebs and patricians
a reference to the two main classes of ancient Roman society, with the plebs being the common people and the patricians being the aristocracy
Example
The conflict between the plebs and patricians was a major factor in the downfall of the Roman Republic.
a direct vote by the people of a country or region on an important question such as a change to the constitution
Example
The government held a plebiscite to determine whether the country should remain in the European Union.
relating to or characteristic of the plebs, especially in terms of their lack of sophistication or refinement
Example
The restaurant was a bit too plebby for my taste, with plastic chairs and paper napkins.
Origins of plebs
shortened form of 'plebeians', from Latin 'plebeius', meaning 'of the common people'
Summary: plebs in Brief
'Plebs' [plebz] refers to ordinary people, especially those who are not rich or powerful. It is often used in contrast to the aristocracy or elite, as in 'The plebs were outraged by the government's decision to raise taxes.' The term has historical roots in ancient Rome, where it referred to the common people. 'Plebs' can also be used in phrases like 'plebiscite,' meaning a direct vote by the people, and 'plebby,' meaning lacking in sophistication.
