Plebeian
noun
A common person in the society, not noble.
In ancient Rome, plebeians were the common folks while the senators were the upper class.
Often appears as...
- roman plebeian
- plebeian society
Usage tips
Formal, Neutral
Historical
adjective
Of or belonging to the common people, ordinary.
Her plebeian taste in fashion was apparent in her simple clothing.
Often appears as...
- plebeian taste
- plebeian manner
Usage tips
Formal, Disapproving
noun
A common person in the society, not noble.
In ancient Rome, plebeians were the common folks while the senators were the upper class.
Often appears as...
- roman plebeian
- plebeian society
Usage tips
Formal, Neutral
Historical
adjective
Of or belonging to the common people, ordinary.
Her plebeian taste in fashion was apparent in her simple clothing.
Often appears as...
- plebeian taste
- plebeian manner
Usage tips
Formal, Disapproving
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Historical Class
Originally classified non-noble citizens in ancient Rome, carries historical weight.
He struggled to overcome the plebeian status of his forefathers.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Pejorative
While indicating common status, 'plebeian' is not necessarily insulting.
They took pride in their plebeian heritage.
Pro Tip 3/3Neutral Use
Use neutrally to describe someone's social status, not their personal worth.
Despite her wealth, she lived a plebeian lifestyle.
Pro Tip 1/3Historical Class
Originally classified non-noble citizens in ancient Rome, carries historical weight.
He struggled to overcome the plebeian status of his forefathers.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Pejorative
While indicating common status, 'plebeian' is not necessarily insulting.
They took pride in their plebeian heritage.
Pro Tip 3/3Neutral Use
Use neutrally to describe someone's social status, not their personal worth.
Despite her wealth, she lived a plebeian lifestyle.
Pro Tip 1/3Historical Class
Originally classified non-noble citizens in ancient Rome, carries historical weight.
He struggled to overcome the plebeian status of his forefathers.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Pejorative
While indicating common status, 'plebeian' is not necessarily insulting.
They took pride in their plebeian heritage.
Pro Tip 3/3Neutral Use
Use neutrally to describe someone's social status, not their personal worth.
Despite her wealth, she lived a plebeian lifestyle.
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Quote examples
Elizabeth Debicki
Australian Actress
I have to say that filming 'The Night Manager' was not just amazing but also very daunting at first. I used to describe myself as the token plebeian surrounded by all your national treasures. All that glittering talent in one place; I knew Hugh from Fry and Laurie videos that my grandpa used to watch, and Tom Hollander's 'Rev' is hilarious.
Quote examples
Richard Corliss
American Writer
Icy and earthy, Helen Mirren is a rare, regal presence in a movie age that values the plebeian over the patrician and mass over class. Lauded with an Oscar and an Emmy for playing both Queen Elizabeths, Mirren has matched her cool aristocracy with a boldness of performance and display.
Quote examples
Ameen Rihani
Lebanese Writer
The most important in the history of nations and individuals was once the most trivial, and vice versa. The plebeian, who is called today the 'man in the street,' can never see and understand the significance of the hidden seed of things, which in time must develop or die.
Quote examples
Ernesto Teodoro Moneta
Italian Journalist
The concept that flourished during the most glorious periods of republican Rome and that appeared in the Twelve Tables of the Law as one of the first, though as yet imperfect, affirmations of the rights of man, inspired the struggle between patricians and plebeians.
Quote examples
Richard Rorty
American Philosopher
The usual picture of Socrates is of an ugly little plebeian who inspired a handsome young nobleman to write long dialogues on large topics.
Quote examples
Paula Cole
American Musician
When you're a plebeian you want success, and when you're successful you want to be a plebeian again.
Quote examples
Elizabeth Debicki
Australian Actress
I have to say that filming 'The Night Manager' was not just amazing but also very daunting at first. I used to describe myself as the token plebeian surrounded by all your national treasures. All that glittering talent in one place; I knew Hugh from Fry and Laurie videos that my grandpa used to watch, and Tom Hollander's 'Rev' is hilarious.
Quote examples
Richard Corliss
American Writer
Icy and earthy, Helen Mirren is a rare, regal presence in a movie age that values the plebeian over the patrician and mass over class. Lauded with an Oscar and an Emmy for playing both Queen Elizabeths, Mirren has matched her cool aristocracy with a boldness of performance and display.
Quote examples
Ameen Rihani
Lebanese Writer
The most important in the history of nations and individuals was once the most trivial, and vice versa. The plebeian, who is called today the 'man in the street,' can never see and understand the significance of the hidden seed of things, which in time must develop or die.
Quote examples
Ernesto Teodoro Moneta
Italian Journalist
The concept that flourished during the most glorious periods of republican Rome and that appeared in the Twelve Tables of the Law as one of the first, though as yet imperfect, affirmations of the rights of man, inspired the struggle between patricians and plebeians.
Quote examples
Richard Rorty
American Philosopher
The usual picture of Socrates is of an ugly little plebeian who inspired a handsome young nobleman to write long dialogues on large topics.
Quote examples
Paula Cole
American Musician
When you're a plebeian you want success, and when you're successful you want to be a plebeian again.
Example 1 of 6
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