Words / C2

pl-uh-BEE-uh-n/pləˈbiːən/

Plebeian means of the common people; also coarse or lacking refinement (often disapproving): plebeian tastes, a plebeian row. Common (already in the dictionary) is everyday usual or shared; ordinary (already in the dictionary) is normal, not special, and people (already in the dictionary) are humans. Boorish (already in the dictionary) is coarse and ill-mannered — the close twin of coarseness. This batch: ostentation and a plutocrat are showy display and power-through-wealth — the opposite social flavour. Biscuits are not a flame-risk close-out.

Meaning

Of the common people; also coarse or lacking refinement (often disapproving).

Examples

• “A plebeian biscuit row is not a flame-risk close-out.”
• “Common is usual or shared (already in A2). Ordinary is normal; not special (already in A2). People are humans (already in A1). Boorish is coarse and ill-mannered (already in C2). Ostentation is showy display (this batch). A plutocrat is powerful through wealth (this batch). Taste at a gala can be exact. Taste instead of a dated flame-risk line is noise. Name the owner of the door; leave the menu for the social.”

Good to know

Common; lacking refinement (disapproving). Everyday: common / ordinary / people (already in this dictionary). Close: boorish (already in C2). This batch: ostentation / plutocrat (the contrast). Biscuits ≠ a flame.

Near in meaning

common, ordinary, unrefined, lowbrow

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