adj

public

PUHB-lihk

adj

Open and visible to everyone; not hidden or private.

"The scandal became public knowledge within days."

"They made their engagement public on social media."

Provided by the government for use by the whole community, funded by taxes.

"She sends her kids to the local public school."

"The city invested heavily in public transportation."

Relating to a company whose shares are traded on the stock market.

"The startup went public with a hugely successful IPO."

noun

Ordinary people in general; the community as a whole.

"The museum is open to the public every day except Monday."

How to Use Public

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishBelonging to, funded by, or open to everyone — the opposite of private.

Common mistake

In UK English, a "public school" confusingly means an elite, expensive private school; in the US, "public school" means a free, government-funded school.

UK vs US

"Public school" has near-opposite meanings in UK vs. US English.

Common pairings

public opinion go public public sector general public

Word Forms

more public comparative, publicked past tense, publics plural, publics singular, most public superlative

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Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

The scandal became _____ knowledge within days.

Etymology

From Old French public, from Latin publicus ("of the people, of the community"), related to populus ("the people").

Antonyms

nonpublic private unpublic

Related Words

hidden publish private

Rhymes for public

republic

See all rhymes for public →

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