public
gb/pˈʌblɪk/ us/pˈʌblɪk/
A2
English
~ 1400
Senses
0 senses
Noun
A2
entity
1
ordinary people in general
All the people, not just those in a group or government.
Usage pattern:
the public
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'public' with 'audience'. 'Audience' means people watching or listening at an event, while 'public' means all people in general.
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.)
Collocations
the general public
|public opinion
|public interest
|members of the public
Themes
society
|politics
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The new park will be open to the public next month.
- The public has a right to know how their money is spent.
- Members of the public were invited to the ceremony.
Learner examples
- The museum is open to the public.
- The public wants better schools.
- The public is angry about the decision.
adjective
A2
property
2
open or accessible to everyone
For everyone to use or see, not private.
Usage pattern:
public [place/service/event]
Common mistake:
Learners may think 'public' always means 'government-owned', but it can also mean simply 'open to everyone'.
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.)
Collocations
public library
|public transport
|public meeting
|public space
Themes
society
|daily life
|daily_life
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The city has many public parks.
- Public transport is cheaper than driving.
- The report will be made public tomorrow.
Learner examples
- This is a public beach.
- We went to a public school.
- The letter will be public next week.
adjective
B1
property
3
relating to government services
Provided by the government for everyone.
Usage pattern:
public [service/institution/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.)
Collocations
public school
|public hospital
|public funds
Themes
politics
|society
|law
|daily_life
Examples
- He works in public education.
- Public health is a priority for the city council.
- They misused public funds.
Learner examples
- He works in a public hospital.
- Public schools are free here.
- They use public money for the project.
adjective
A2
property
4
done in open view of others
Happening where many people can see or hear it.
Usage pattern:
in public / a public [display/speech]
Synonyms
overt (Formal term meaning openly shown; less common in everyday speech.)
Antonyms
private (Happening away from others' view.)
Collocations
in public
|public apology
|public display
Themes
daily life
|daily_life
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- They argued in public.
- She made a public apology for her comments.
- The couple showed affection in public.
Learner examples
- He kissed her in public.
- They fight in public.
- She said sorry in public.
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.