Commonalty - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Commonalty refers to the general public or ordinary people, often contrasted with the elite or privileged classes. It can also denote shared characteristics or common features within a group.
Definition:
The general populace or ordinary people as a group, distinct from the elite.
Synonyms:
populace, masses, commoners, plebeians
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
aristocracy, elite, nobility
Common Collocations:
commonalty of the realm, voice of the commonalty, rights of the commonalty
Derivatives:
commonalities, commonalties
Usage Tips:
Use "commonalty" to refer collectively to ordinary people in historical or formal contexts.
Common Phrases:
voice of the commonalty, rights of the commonalty, will of the commonalty
Etymology:
Derived from Old French "communalte," meaning community or shared ownership; related to Latin "communis" (common).
Examples:
- 1. The king addressed the concerns of the commonalty in his speech.
- 2. The rights of the commonalty were often overlooked in medieval societies.
- 3. The rebellion was led by members of the frustrated commonalty.
- 4. The law aimed to protect both nobles and the commonalty equally.