plebeian
plebeian Lexical Profile
plebeian Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Of or associated with the lower social classes; ordinary, unrefined, or lacking in cultural sophistication.
"The haughty critic dismissed the popular comedy as an appeal to plebeian tastes."
Relating to or belonging to the common people of ancient Rome, as distinct from the privileged patrician class.
"The reform granted plebeian assemblies the authority to pass laws binding on all Roman citizens."
• noun
A member of the general citizenry or lower social class in ancient Rome, originally excluded from the senate and high public offices held by patricians.
"In the early Roman Republic, a plebeian could not legally marry a member of a patrician family."
A member of the lower social classes, or a person regarded as uncultured, coarse, or ordinary.
"The luxury resort was priced to keep ordinary plebeians far away from its private beaches."
Word Nuance & Usage
Outside of historical references to ancient Rome, "plebeian" (and its informal clipping "pleb") is strongly condescending and derogatory when applied to people's social class or tastes.
• Rhymes for plebeian
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the 16th century from Latin plebeius ("belonging to the common people"), derived from plebs ("the common people of ancient Rome, the multitude").