plebeian
Americanadjective
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of, relating to, or characteristic of the common people, esp those of Rome
-
lacking refinement; vulgar
plebeian tastes
noun
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one of the common people, esp one of the Roman plebs
-
a person who is coarse or lacking in discernment
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of plebeian
First recorded in 1525–35; from Latin plēbēi(us) “of the plebs” ( plēbē(s) “the common people” + -ius adjective suffix) + -an adjective suffix; see plebs
Explanation
In Roman times, the lower class of people was the plebeian class. Today, if something is plebeian, it is of the common people. When you hear the word plebeian used to describe a form of art or taste, it means that while something is liked by a lot of people, it may not be of the highest quality or taste. Both soap operas and reality television shows have been described as plebeian forms of entertainment. A member of the plebeian class is known as a pleb, which is pronounced "pleeb."
Vocabulary lists containing plebeian
Julius Caesar
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Ancient Rome - Introductory
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100 SAT words Beginning with "P"
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
In return, the patron would expect political support from their clients by voting as directed in the Centuriate or Plebeian Assembly, by influencing other votes, and by blocking political rivals.
From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2020
The government of the late Republic was still in the form of the Plebeian Assembly, the Centuriate Assembly, the Senate, ten tribunes, two consuls, and a court system under formal rules of law.
From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2020
The Plebeian Assembly was controlled by wealthy plebeians who were the clients of nobles.
From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2020
By 287 BCE, the Plebeian Assembly could pass legislation with the weight of law as well.
From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2020
“Has the Resistance been bribing some Plebeian drudge to sneak you in?”
From "An Ember in the Ashes" by Sabaa Tahir
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
