public etymology

Public

Etymology:

  • From Middle English publik, from Old French public, from Latin publicus, meaning "belonging to the people."

Meaning:

  • Relating to or affecting the people as a whole
  • Available to or known by all
  • Pertaining to the affairs of government or the community

Origin:

The word "public" ultimately derives from the Proto-Indo-European root *peku-, meaning "cattle." In ancient Rome, cattle were a common form of wealth, and important decisions were often made at public meetings where all free citizens could participate.

Over time, the meaning of "public" broadened to include all matters that affected the community as a whole. In the Middle Ages, the term was often used to refer to the common people as opposed to the nobility. By the 16th century, "public" had taken on its modern meaning, referring to anything that is open to or shared by all.

public relate terms

  • people

    Etymology The word people is derived from the Latin word populus which means a bod

  • folk

    Meaning of Folk Etymology Folk etymology also known as popular etymology or dubious e

  • public

    Public Etymology From Middle English publik from Old French public from Latin public

  • publican

    Etymology The term republican originates from the Latin word res publica which mean

  • publication

    Etymology Latin publicare to make public From publicus public Meaning and Or

  • publicist

    Publicist Etymology Meaning and Origin Etymology The word publicist originates from

  • liturgy

    Etymology Liturgy is derived from two Greek words Leitos meaning public or com

  • panegyric

    Etymology Derived from the Greek word panegyrikos which means related to a panegyri

  • archives

    Etymology The word archives derives from the Greek word arkheion meaning public re

  • spectacle

    Etymology The word spectacle is derived from the Latin word spectaculum which means

  • audience

    Etymology Latin audientia an audience hearing Break Down aud from Latin audi

  • private

    Etymology The word private comes from the Latin word privatus which means distinct