connected with or involving all the people in a society
The mayor promised to improve public safety in the city.
Researchers shared their report on public health at a crowded press conference.
✦ From Latin ‘publicus’ meaning ‘of the people’.
able to be seen, used, or attended by anyone; not private or secret
The meeting was a public event that anyone could attend.
Please keep your voice down in public places like the library.
provided, controlled, or paid for by the government rather than by private individuals or companies
He rides the bus because public transportation is cheap.
They sent their children to the local public school.
the people of a country, city, or community considered as a whole
The police asked the public for help finding the missing child.
Politicians should listen to the public.
a particular group of people who share a common interest
Advertisers study the teenage public carefully.
The author thanked the reading public for their loyalty.
in a way that anyone can see, hear, or know about; openly
The mayor apologized publicly for the error during a crowded press conference.
At the school assembly, the principal praised Mia publicly for her bravery.
✦ Derived from public + -ly, first recorded in the 15th century.
a person who believes that a country should be a republic or who works to replace a monarchy with an elected government
The republican stood on the podium and called for the end of the monarchy.
As a devoted republican, she wore a pin shaped like a broken crown.
✦ Same origin as the adjective, first used in English political writings of the 17th century.
