What does “public” mean?
- 1
adjectivefor everyone to use or know about, not private
The library is open to the public.
- 2
adjectiveconnected with the government and paid for by taxes
She teaches at a public school.
- 3
nounordinary people in general
The museum is free for the public on Sundays.
Public at a glance
- Part of speech
- adjective & noun
- CEFR level
- A2 (elementary)
- Pronunciation
- /ˈpʌblɪk/ · PUB-lik
How to use “public” correctly
“In public” means where other people can see you. Note that a British “public school” is a private school, the opposite of the US meaning.
Common phrases with “public”
- in public
- the general public
- public transportation
- public opinion
Synonyms, opposites and related words
Antonyms (opposite meaning)
Word family
- publicly
- publicity
- publish
“public” is on these word lists
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