Reading Theme:
People Definition, Usage & Examples (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：human beings collectively (people)
people
/ˈpiːpəl/
n.
Human beings in general; a group of men, women, and children.
human beings collectively
➕
/ˈhjuːmən ˈbiːɪŋz kəˈlɛktɪvli/
n.
Refers to a group of individuals considered together, often as the general population or all humans.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'populus' (people, nation), via Old French 'pople'.
💡 Mnemonic
Think of 'peep' + 'pull' — many faces peeping out, pulling together as a group.
📖 Example
In the park, you can see people walking their dogs, children playing, and friends having picnics.
In the park, one can see individuals walking their dogs, children playing, and friends enjoying picnics.
🔗 Collocations
ordinary people – Regular individuals without special status or power
people power – The political influence exerted by the general population
people skills – Social abilities to interact effectively with others
🔄 Synonyms
individuals (n.) – Single human beings considered separately or collectively
humans (n.) – Members of the species Homo sapiens
persons (n.) – Formal term for human beings, especially in legal contexts
🌱 Derivatives
peopled (adj.) – Inhabited or populated by people
peoplehood (n.) – The state of being a distinct ethnic or national group
peopling (n.) – The act of populating a place with people
📖 Cultural Story
Used since the 13th century. 'We the people' in the U.S. Constitution emphasizes collective sovereignty. In sociology, it contrasts with 'government' or 'elite'.
Meaning 2：ethnic group (people)
people
/ˈpiːpəl/
n.
A community of people who share the same culture, history, language, or religion.
ethnic group
➕
/ˈɛθnɪk ɡruːp/
n.
A community of people who share a common culture, history, language, or religion, often forming a distinct identity within a larger society.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
China is a country with 56 different ethnic groups, and each people has its own unique traditions and festivals.
China comprises 56 distinct ethnic groups, each people possessing unique traditions and festivals.
🔗 Collocations
indigenous people – Original inhabitants of a region, often with distinct cultural traditions
tribal people – Groups organized on the basis of kinship or clan, often with traditional lifestyles
people of color – Term used to refer to non-white racial and ethnic groups collectively
🔄 Synonyms
🌱 Derivatives
peoples (n.) – Plural form referring to multiple ethnic or national groups
peoplehood (n.) – The sense of identity and belonging of an ethnic group
peopled (adj.) – Inhabited by a particular people or population
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