PUBLIC Meaning and
Definition
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Public is an adjective that refers to something that is related to, available to, or intended for the general population or the community as a whole. It pertains to things that concern or involve people in general and are accessible to all members of society without any specific restrictions or limitations. Public is often used to describe entities, institutions, services, or facilities that are operated or funded by the government, or that work for the benefit and welfare of the general public, such as public libraries, public schools, public transportation, and public parks.
The term public can also characterize an individual's behavior or expression that is conducted in an open, unlimited, or unrestricted manner, without any attempt to conceal or keep hidden. It refers to actions or statements that are not meant to be private or confidential, but rather to be visible and known to others. Public can additionally describe the collective opinion or attitude of the people or the general sentiment prevailing in society towards a particular issue, event, or person. In this context, something being "in the public eye" means that it is subject to public scrutiny or debate.
Overall, public encompasses the entirety of the population or the community at large, as well as the notion of openness, accessibility, transparency, and inclusivity in relation to various aspects of society, government, services, behavior, and expression.
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• Pert. to a state or community; extending to a whole people; not private; common; open to all.
• The people at large; the many; the people indefinitely.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for PUBLIC *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for PUBLIC
Etymology of PUBLIC
The word public originated from the Latin word publicus, which means belonging to the people or pertaining to the state. It was derived from the combination of the Latin words populus meaning people and habere meaning to have.
Idioms with the word PUBLIC
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be in the public eye
The idiom "be in the public eye" means to be widely known or famous, often as a result of being constantly observed, criticized, or subject to public scrutiny. It refers to being in a prominent or influential position where one's actions, behavior, and character are constantly visible to the public or media.
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in the public eye
The idiom "in the public eye" refers to being widely known, observed, or under scrutiny by the public. It describes someone or something that is in the spotlight or subject to public attention and scrutiny.
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go public (with sth)
The idiom "go public (with sth)" refers to making something known or sharing information, typically with a wide audience or the general public. It often involves disclosing previously private or confidential information or making a formal announcement. This can occur in various contexts, such as a company making its shares available for public trading, a person revealing personal details or a scandal being exposed to the public.
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go public
The idiom "go public" refers to the act of a privately-owned company offering its shares to the general public for purchase on a stock exchange. It involves the company listing its shares on a stock market, opening up ownership to public investors.
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John Q Public
The idiom "John Q Public" refers to an ordinary, average person or a representative citizen. It is often used to refer to the common man or woman, someone who is not particularly notable or famous. The term is interchangeable with other similar phrases, such as "Joe Public" or "Jane Doe." It can also be used to describe a hypothetical person used to illustrate a point or to emphasize the perspective or needs of the general public.
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Joe Public
The idiom "Joe Public" refers to the average or ordinary person in society. It is used to describe the general population or the common man/woman.
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take sth public
The idiom "take something public" typically refers to the act of making information or a situation known to the general public or a larger audience, often through media channels or public platforms. It can involve releasing news, disclosing secrets, sharing personal experiences, or generating public awareness about a particular issue.
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in public
The idiom "in public" refers to any action or behavior that occurs or is observed by others in a public setting or in the presence of other people. It implies that the action or behavior is not confined to a private or secluded environment but is done openly where it can be witnessed by a larger audience.
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alert the public
The idiom "alert the public" means to inform or warn the general population about a particular issue, event, or danger in order to create widespread awareness and ensure public safety or response.
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public eye
The idiom "public eye" refers to the state of being in the spotlight or under public observation and scrutiny. It can also imply being subject to public opinion and judgement.
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air dirty linen in public
The idiom "air dirty linen in public" refers to the act of openly discussing or disclosing private or embarrassing things about oneself or others, especially in a public setting. It implies making private matters known to others who should not be involved or should not have access to such information.
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air one's dirty linen in public
The idiom "air one's dirty linen in public" refers to the act of openly discussing or revealing private or embarrassing matters or quarrels in front of others who are not involved or should not be privy to such information. It implies the lack of discretion or proper decorum in handling personal issues, usually resulting in public embarrassment or disgrace.
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air your dirty laundry in public
The idiom "air your dirty laundry in public" refers to the act of openly discussing or revealing private matters, problems, or conflicts to others who are not directly involved, usually in a public or inappropriate forum. It implies a lack of discretion, privacy, or tact when dealing with personal issues.
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wash dirty linen in public
The idiom "wash dirty linen in public" means to publicly discuss or reveal private, embarrassing, or shameful matters that should be kept confidential. It refers to airing one's problems or conflicts in a public or inappropriate setting, rather than handling them discreetly.
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wash one's dirty laundry in public
The idiom "wash one's dirty laundry in public" means to discuss or reveal personal or private matters that should be kept confidential, particularly in a public or inappropriate setting. It refers to the act of sharing or exposing embarrassing, shameful, or controversial information or disputes that should ideally remain private or be addressed discreetly.
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public enemy number one/no. 1
The idiom "public enemy number one/no. 1" refers to an individual or group that is considered the greatest threat or enemy to society. It suggests that they are the primary focus of public attention and concerns, often due to their criminal or harmful activities.
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air (one's) dirty laundry in public
The idiom "air (one's) dirty laundry in public" means to publicly discuss or reveal private or embarrassing information, especially personal conflicts or disputes that should be kept confidential. It refers to exposing one's personal or intimate matters to others, often leading to negative consequences or damage to one's reputation or relationships.
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wash your dirty linen in public
The idiom "wash your dirty linen in public" means to discuss or disclose private or embarrassing matters or secrets in a public or inappropriate setting, without considering the potential consequences or negative impact it may have on those involved. It implies a lack of discretion or the failure to keep personal matters confidential.
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public enemy number one
The idiom "public enemy number one" refers to a person or entity widely regarded as the most dangerous, notorious, or threatening to society. It signifies someone who poses a significant threat or is widely condemned by the public.
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wash one's dirty linen in public
The idiom "wash one's dirty linen in public" refers to the act of openly discussing or revealing one's private or embarrassing matters or problems in a public or inappropriate manner. It suggests airing personal conflicts or secrets in a way that can be seen as improper or disrespectful.
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wash your dirty laundry in public
The idiom "wash your dirty laundry in public" means to publicly discuss or expose personal or private matters that are embarrassing or should remain confidential. It implies revealing shameful or inappropriate behavior, secrets, or conflicts to others that would be better kept private.
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Do not wash your dirty linen in public.
The idiom "Do not wash your dirty linen in public" means that one should not discuss or reveal private or embarrassing matters in public. It advises against sharing personal problems, conflicts, or scandals with others outside the private sphere. It is considered inappropriate to involve others in personal matters that should be kept confidential or addressed in a more private setting.
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wash dirty laundry in public
The idiom "wash dirty laundry in public" means to discuss or reveal private or sensitive matters in a public or open setting, often resulting in embarrassment or damage to one's reputation. It implies airing personal conflicts or problems that should be resolved privately to the public, which can lead to further complications or unnecessary attention.
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be public knowledge
The idiom "be public knowledge" refers to information or facts that are widely known or commonly understood by the public. It implies that the information in question is not a secret or something that is limited to a specific group, but is instead widely accessible and available in the public domain.
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air your dirty linen in public
The idiom "air your dirty linen in public" means to openly discuss or reveal private or embarrassing matters in front of others, especially in a public setting. It suggests that one should not disclose personal or sensitive information to the public, but rather keep such matters private. "Dirty linen" metaphorically refers to one's secrets, flaws, or shortcomings.
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wash your dirty laundry/linen in public
The idiom "wash your dirty laundry/linen in public" means to reveal private or embarrassing information or discuss personal matters in a public or inappropriate setting, often causing public humiliation or tarnishing one's reputation.
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(one) does not wash (one's) dirty linen in public
The idiom "one does not wash one's dirty linen in public" means that one should not discuss or reveal their personal problems, conflicts, or internal disputes to others in a public or inappropriate setting. It suggests the importance of maintaining privacy and resolving issues internally, rather than airing them out for public scrutiny.
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public display of affection
The idiom "public display of affection" refers to the act of showing physical affection or intimacy between two individuals in a public setting, such as holding hands, hugging, kissing, or other similar actions.
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be common/public knowledge
"Be common/public knowledge" means that something is widely known or understood by the general public. It refers to information or facts that are not secret or private, but rather are openly known and discussed by many people.
Similar spelling words for PUBLIC
- publican,
- public-address,
- public-eye,
- publish,
- pipelike,
- public-sector,
- public-interest,
- public-bathroom,
- public-school,
- pubblico,
- public-domain,
- bublik,
- public-housing,
- public-law,
- public-offering,
- bioplague,
- BHPLOC,
- Public-spiritedness,
- public-affairs,
- publica,
- public-enemy,
- papplewick,
- public-safety,
- Public-hearted,
- public-prosecutor,
- semi-public,
- public-works,
- puplike,
- babylike,
- published,
- public-key,
- BHPLOQ,
- Popoloca,
- public-house,
- PUBLG,
- publicity,
- public-spirited,
- public-access,
- public-assistance,
- public-private,
- quasi-public,
- public-use,
- public-servant,
- publico,
- public-transportation,
- biblock,
- public-information,
- public-employee,
- public-sale,
- public-service,
- biblique,
- public-opinion,
- biblica,
- public-land,
- publicize,
- BIBLIOG,
- BPLIC,
- piplica,
- public/private,
- public-benefit,
- publisher,
- public@nytimes.com,
- public-art,
- publicist,
- publicly,
- publicise,
- publick,
- publike,
- public-radio,
- public-relations,
- non-public,
- publique,
- puppylike,
- public-utility,
- public-television,
- babelike,
- public-lands,
- re-public,
- public-library,
- PEPLAC,
- private-public,
- public-policy,
- public-education,
- public-speaking,
- public-health,
- Public-spiritedly,
- Public-minded.
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