joneses Definition
a phrase used to refer to the comparison-based competitive culture of keeping up with one's neighbors or peers in terms of social status, wealth, and material possessions.
Using joneses: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "joneses" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
They bought a new car just to keep up with the Joneses.
Example
She always feels like she has to have the latest gadgets to keep up with the Joneses.
Example
The pressure to keep up with the Joneses can be overwhelming.
joneses Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for joneses
- competition
- comparison
- keeping up with the neighbors
Origins of joneses
from the surname 'Jones', a common family name in the United States
Summary: joneses in Brief
The term 'joneses' [ˈdʒoʊnzɪz] refers to the competitive culture of keeping up with one's neighbors or peers in terms of social status, wealth, and material possessions. It is often used in phrases like 'keep up with the Joneses,' which describes the pressure to maintain a certain lifestyle to match others in the community.