public
gb/pˈʌblɪk/ us/pˈʌblɪk/
A2
English
~ 1400
nyilvánosság, lakosság, nagyközönség, nyilvános, nyitva áll, mindenki számára nyitott, nyitott, állami, közszférához tartozó, nyilvánosan, mások előtt
NOUN
A2
1
Usage pattern:
the public
The new park will be open to the public next month.
Az új park a jövő hónapban megnyílik a nagyközönség előtt.
The public has a right to know how their money is spent.
A nyilvánosságnak joga van tudni, hogyan költik el az adófizetők pénzét.
Members of the public were invited to the ceremony.
Learner examples
The museum is open to the public.
A múzeum nyitva áll a nagyközönség előtt.
The public wants better schools.
A lakosság jobb iskolákat szeretne.
The public is angry about the decision.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'public' with 'audience'. 'Audience' means people watching or listening at an event, while 'public' means all people in general.
Meaning
ordinary people in general
Collocations
the general public
|public opinion
|public interest
|members of the public
Synonyms
population (Refers to all people in an area; less about access or openness.)
|
citizens (Refers specifically to legal members of a state; more formal.)
Antonyms
officials (Refers to people in positions of authority, the opposite of ordinary people.)
Themes
society
|politics
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Definition
All the people, not just those in a group or government.
The people as a whole, especially those not belonging to a specific group such as the government or an organization.
A2
2
Usage pattern:
public [place/service/event]
The city has many public parks.
A városban sok közpark van.
Public transport is cheaper than driving.
A tömegközlekedés olcsóbb, mint autózni.
The report will be made public tomorrow.
Learner examples
This is a public beach.
Ez egy nyilvános strand.
We went to a public school.
Állami iskolába jártunk.
The letter will be public next week.
Common mistake:
Learners may think 'public' always means 'government-owned', but it can also mean simply 'open to everyone'.
Meaning
open or accessible to everyone
Collocations
public library
|public transport
|public meeting
|public space
Synonyms
open (General term for not closed or restricted; less specific about communal ownership.)
Antonyms
private (Restricted to certain people; opposite of open to everyone.)
Themes
society
|daily life
|daily_life
|core_vocabulary
Definition
For everyone to use or see, not private.
Open for use, participation, or view by anyone without restriction.
B1
3
állami
A2
Usage pattern:
public [service/institution/funds]
He works in public education.
A közoktatásban dolgozik.
Public health is a priority for the city council.
A közegészségügy kiemelt ügy a városi önkormányzat számára.
They misused public funds.
Learner examples
He works in a public hospital.
Állami kórházban dolgozik.
Public schools are free here.
Az állami iskolák itt ingyenesek.
They use public money for the project.
Meaning
relating to government services
Collocations
public school
|public hospital
|public funds
Synonyms
state-run (Specifically run by the government; more formal and technical.)
Antonyms
private-sector (Run by individuals or companies rather than the government.)
Themes
politics
|society
|law
|daily_life
Definition
Provided by the government for everyone.
Relating to or provided by the government for the benefit of all citizens.
A2
4
Usage pattern:
in public / a public [display/speech]
They argued in public.
Nyilvánosan veszekedtek.
She made a public apology for her comments.
Nyilvános bocsánatkérést tett a megjegyzései miatt.
The couple showed affection in public.
Learner examples
He kissed her in public.
Nyilvánosan megcsókolta őt.
They fight in public.
Nyilvánosan veszekednek.
She said sorry in public.
Meaning
done in open view of others
Collocations
in public
|public apology
|public display
Synonyms
overt (Formal term meaning openly shown; less common in everyday speech.)
Antonyms
private (Happening away from others' view.)
Themes
daily life
|daily_life
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Happening where many people can see or hear it.
Done, said, or occurring where many people can see or hear it.
Grammar
Dictionary form
public
IPA
GB/pˈʌblɪk/
US/pˈʌblɪk/
Syllables & stress
pub - lic (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (pub)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: public
Noun
- Base: public
- Plural: public, publics
Word family
Expressions
go public
1/ɡˈoʊ pˈʌblɪk/
idiom
reveal information or sell shares openly
To tell many people something that was private, or when a company starts selling its shares on the stock market.
Examples
- She decided to go public with her story.
- The company plans to go public next year.
in public
1/ˈɪn pˈʌblɪk/
fixed phrase
where others can see or hear
Happening where other people can see or hear you.
Examples
- He never sings in public.
- They were seen holding hands in public.
make public
1/mˈeɪk pˈʌblɪk/
fixed phrase
announce openly to everyone
To tell everyone something, not keep it secret.
Examples
- The company made the results public yesterday.
- Her resignation was made public this morning.
public service announcement
1/pˈʌblɪk sˈɚvɪs ənˈaʊnsmənt/
fixed phrase
official message for citizens
An official message that gives important information to people.
Examples
- The radio aired a public service announcement about road safety.
- Public service announcements are often used during emergencies.
public opinion
1/pˈʌblɪk əpˈɪnjən/
fixed phrase
beliefs of most people
What most people think about something.
Examples
- Public opinion has turned against the war.
- Public opinion is against the new law.
- The policy was changed due to public opinion.
- The scandal changed public opinion about the politician.