public
public Lexical Profile
public Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Open to, shared by, or accessible to anyone in the community without restriction.
"Every weekend, families gather in the public park for picnics and concerts."
Of, concerning, or affecting the people or community as a whole, rather than private individuals.
"The city council held a meeting to discuss improvements to public transportation."
Done, perceived, or existing in open view, or widely known to people at large.
"The mayor issued a public apology after the audit findings were released."
Provided, funded, or managed by the local or national government on behalf of citizens.
"Investments in public education and infrastructure benefit the entire economy."
Having shares traded freely on an open stock exchange (of a business company).
"The technology startup decided to become a public company through an initial offering."
• noun
Ordinary people in general; the community or population of a nation or state as a whole.
"The museum will be open to the public starting next Monday."
A particular section or group of the community having a shared interest, or serving as the audience or clientele for a specific person or product.
"The novelist always knew how to appeal to her devoted reading public."
Word Nuance & Usage
In British English, a 'public school' refers to an exclusive, fee-charging independent secondary school, whereas in American English and most other regions it refers to a tuition-free school funded and operated by the government.
• Rhymes for public
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed from Middle French 'public', from Latin 'publicus' ('of the people, of the state, common'), altered by the influence of 'pubes' ('adult population') from Old Latin 'poplicus', a derivative of 'populus' ('the people').