plebs
[ˈpɫeːps]feminine
The English phrase "plebs" translates to the Latin noun plebs.
plebs refers to the common people. It is a collective noun, which means it is typically used to refer to the common people as a single group rather than as a collection of individuals.
Meaning: The common people (noun)
Which one should you use?
In the context of the Roman social hierarchy, plebs is contrasted with the patricii (the patricians). While plebs refers to the common people as a social order, the word vulgus refers to the common crowd, often with a scornful tone.
How does it change in a sentence?
If you need to say "of the plebs" in the singular, use the genitive form plebis.
Did you know?
- In the Roman Republic, the plebs famously went on strike by physically leaving the city in a process called secessio plebis.
- While plebs refers to the common people, it was not always a synonym for 'poor' since some plebs were wealthier than the patricii.
- The root of plebs relates to the concept of 'filling' something up. This connects the 'common people' to the idea of a population that fills a space.
Examples in context
- Vulgus tumultuosum clamorem tollitThe chaotic crowd raises a clamor.
- Plebs pauca dona optat.The common people desire a few gifts.
Example conversation
Lucia and Quintus are discussing the mood of the city.
- LuciaQuid plebs hodie dicit?What are the common people saying today?
- QuintusPlebs irata est, Lucia.The common people are angry, Lucia.
- LuciaCur plebs irata est?Why are the common people angry?
- QuintusPretium frumenti ascendit.The price of grain is rising.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “plebs” translations and entries plebs, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries plebs, CC BY-SA 4.0.
