plebeian

[ pli-bee-uhn, plee-bee-uhn ]

adjective

1. belonging or pertaining to the common people.
2. of, relating to, or belonging to the ancient Roman plebs.
3. common, commonplace, or vulgar:

   a plebeian joke.

   Synonyms: popular, ordinary, low, lowbrow

noun

1. a member of the common people.
2. a member of the ancient Roman plebs.

plebeian

/ pləˈbiːən /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or characteristic of the common people, esp those of Rome
2. lacking refinement; vulgar

   plebeian tastes

noun

1. one of the common people, esp one of the Roman plebs
2. a person who is coarse or lacking in discernment

Derived Forms

• pleˈbeianˌism, noun

Other Words From

• ple·be·ian·ism noun
• ple·be·ian·ly adverb
• ple·be·ian·ness noun
• un·ple·be·ian adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of plebeian¹

First recorded in 1525–35; from Latin plēbēi(us) “of the plebs” ( plēbē(s) “the common people” + -ius adjective suffix) + -an adjective suffix; plebs

Word History and Origins

Origin of plebeian¹

C16: from Latin plēbēius belonging to the people, from plēbs the common people of ancient Rome

Example Sentences

But the filmmakers have given him an all-access pass, from plebeian alleyways to marbled halls of power, and he is forever walking in unannounced on people who could literally have his head.

From Los Angeles Times

But there are good deals for us plebeians if you know where to look.

From Seattle Times

Yet even those of us with plebeian intellects can enjoy ingenious murders and cozy mayhem — especially on these long nights of winter.

From Washington Post

The point, mostly, is that people have trouble letting go — and we plebeians watching them are split between hurrying them out the door and grabbing their sleeves so they won’t leave.

From Washington Post

What Brady loves most, far more than a Tag Heuer, is the plebeian surroundings of a locker room, the simple no-frills atmosphere with a brotherhood in egalitarian sweats.

From Washington Post