Public Definition
pŭblĭk
adjective
Of, belonging to, or concerning the people as a whole; of or by the community at large.
The public welfare, a public outcry.
Webster's New World
Maintained for or used by the people or community.
A public park.
American Heritage
For the use or benefit of all; esp., supported by government funds.
A public park.
Webster's New World
As regards community, rather than private, affairs.
Webster's New World
Participated in or attended by the people or community.
American Heritage
Synonyms:
noun
The people as a whole; community at large.
Webster's New World
A specific part of the people; those people considered together because of some common interest or purpose.
The reading public.
Webster's New World
Admirers or followers, especially of a famous person.
American Heritage
(archaic) A public house; an inn.
Wiktionary
Other Word Forms of Public
Noun
Singular:
public
Plural:
publicsOrigin of Public
-
From Anglo-Norman publik, public, Middle French public, publique et al., and their source, Latin pÅ«blicus (“pertaining to the people"), alteration (probably after pubes (“adult men")) of populicus, from populus (“people"). Compare people.
From Wiktionary
Middle English publik from Old French public from Latin pūblicus alteration (influenced by pūbēs adult population) of poplicus from populus people of Etruscan origin
From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
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