Plebes

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A term used to reference the common people or lower social classes in ancient Rome; denoting individuals with limited status or influence within a society; often used to illustrate a broader distinction between elite and regular citizens in various cultures
2. Referring to the general populace or ordinary people, especially in the context of historical societal hierarchies; indicating those who lack privileges associated with higher social ranks; can describe the majority as distinct from a ruling elite or aristocracy
3. Describing the masses or everyday individuals, particularly in relation to social stratification; highlighting the contrast between ordinary citizens and those in positions of power or privilege; typically used to convey a sense of commonality among the general public

Etymology: "Plebes" is the plural of "plebe," which in English is a clipped form. The fuller word is "plebeian," but "plebe" shows up as its own noun, and it is the older root that matters here. Its Latin source is "plebs," which referred to the broad body of ordinary Roman citizens, as distinct from the aristocratic patricians who held most political power in early Rome. The word reached English by a roundabout path. It most likely passed through Middle French, where "plebe" meant plebeians, commoners, or even the rabble, before English borrowed it. Across Romance languages the same word survives, so Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese all have "plebe" with the same sense. Over time the English term has shifted in tone. Where the Latin noun was a neutral social category, English usage often carries a sneer, as if the common people are a crowd to be looked down on rather than a class of citizens with their own rights.

Synonyms: commoners, masses

Antonyms: elite, aristocracy