public
1pub·lic
adjective \ˈpə-blik\: of, relating to, or affecting all or most of the people of a country, state, etc.
: of, relating to, paid for by, or working for a government
: supported by money from the government and from private contributors rather than by commercials
Full Definition of PUBLIC
1
2
a : of, relating to, or affecting all the people or the whole area of a nation or state <public law> b : of or relating to a government c : of, relating to, or being in the service of the community or nation
4
: of or relating to business or community interests as opposed to private affairs : social
5
: devoted to the general or national welfare : humanitarian
6
a : accessible to or shared by all members of the community b : capitalized in shares that can be freely traded on the open market —often used with go
7
: supported by public funds and private contributions rather than by income from commercials <public radio> <public television>
— pub·lic·ness noun
See Examples of PUBLIC
- Public outrage over the scandal eventually forced him to resign.
- The ads are intended to increase public awareness of the risks of smoking.
- She was elected to a public office.
- He was in Congress for many years but he recently retired from public life.
- They decided on a nearby restaurant as a convenient public place to meet.
- The government has allowed public access to the documents.
- The city council is holding a public meeting.
- This will be her first public performance in five years.
- Her trial will be public.
Origin of PUBLIC
Middle English publique, from Anglo-French, from Latin publicus; akin to Latin populus people
First Known Use: 14th century
Related to PUBLIC
- Synonyms
- open, on record
- Antonyms
- confidential, private, privy, secret
2public
nounthe public : the people of a country, state, etc.
: a group of people who have a shared interest, quality, etc.
Full Definition of PUBLIC
1
: a place accessible or visible to the public —usually used in the phrase in public
2
: the people as a whole : populace
3
: a group of people having common interests or characteristics; specifically : the group at which a particular activity or enterprise aims
Examples of PUBLIC
- The beach is open to the public.
- The general public is in favor of the law.
- Members of the public called for the mayor's resignation.
First Known Use of PUBLIC
15th century
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