plebeian
/plɪˈbiən/
noun
- A member of the common people in ancient Rome, as opposed to the patrician upper class.
- A plebeian could rise in status by gaining wealth or military fame.
- In ancient Rome, plebeians had fewer rights than patricians but could vote.
- The conflict between patricians and plebeians shaped Roman politics.
- An ordinary person, especially one considered to be of low social status or lacking refinement.
- The king's advisor treated all plebeians with contempt.
- The wealthy guests looked down on the plebeians waiting outside the gate.
- He felt like a plebeian among the art collectors at the gallery opening.
adjective
- Relating to ordinary people or the common class; not fancy, elite, or aristocratic.
- The palace stood in contrast to the plebeian houses of the nearby village.
- The restaurant had a plebeian menu of burgers and fries, nothing gourmet.
- His plebeian tastes included watching reality TV and eating fast food.
- Lacking refinement or sophistication; crude or common in a negative way.
- She refused to wear plebeian sneakers and insisted on designer shoes.
- The critic called the movie's humor plebeian and predictable.
- Some people consider comic books plebeian, but others see them as art.
Antonyms