Populace Definition, Usage & Common Mistakes

Meaning 1：general public (populace)

populace 🔊

/ˈpɒp.jə.ləs/

The common people who live in a certain country, city, or area, but not the powerful or famous ones.

Populace definition illustrated by a diverse crowd in a sunny city park scene

general public 🔊

➕

/ˈdʒen.rəl ˈpʌb.lɪk/

Refers to the ordinary citizens of a particular area, excluding the elite or powerful individuals.

📁 Category：Social Economy 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

Derived from Latin 'populus', meaning 'people'.

💡 Mnemonic

Think 'pop' for popular and 'lace' for place – populace is the popular people in a place.

📖 Example

The new policy aims to improve the living standards of the entire populace by 2030. 🔊 This sentence describes a policy goal to enhance the quality of life for all common people in a region.

🔗 Collocations

the general populace – the common people as a whole

local populace – the people living in a specific area

entire populace – all the people in a given region

🔄 Synonyms

population (n.) – the total number of people living in an area

common people (n. phrase) – ordinary citizens, not the wealthy or powerful

masses (n.) – the large body of common people

🚫 Antonyms

elite (n.) – a select group that is superior in terms of ability or qualities

aristocracy (n.) – the highest class in certain societies, typically comprising people of noble birth

📖 Cultural Story

The term 'populace' originates from Latin 'populus', referring to the common people. It is commonly used in political and social contexts to denote the general population of a country or region.