1
public
/ˈpʌblɪk/
adjective
Britannica Dictionary definition of PUBLIC
1
always used before a noun
:
of, relating to, or affecting all or most of the people of a country, state, etc.
-
public opinion
-
Public outrage over the scandal eventually forced him to resign.
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The ads are intended to increase public awareness of the risks of smoking.
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a study of public policy [=government policies that affect the whole population]
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He is the director of public affairs. [=his work involves events, activities, etc., that a company does for the public]
2
always used before a noun
a
:
of, relating to, paid for by, or working for a government
-
She was elected to a public office.
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public spending/funding
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public education/housing
-
a public corporation
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a public prosecutor/officer
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He was in Congress for many years but he recently retired from public life.
b
:
supported by money from the government and from private contributors rather than by commercials
3
a
:
able to be used by anyone
:
open or available to people in general rather than to just a few people
-
a public library/restroom/telephone/beach
-
public property
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They decided on a nearby restaurant as a convenient public place to meet.
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The government has allowed public access to the documents.
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The city council is holding a public meeting.
b
:
able to be seen or heard by many people
4
:
known to many people
-
As a celebrity, she is trying to keep her private life separate from her public life.
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The scandal ruined his public image. [=the scandal caused many people to change their opinion of him from good to bad]
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a public figure [=a well-known person]
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The results of the study have been made public. [=have been announced, published, etc., so that they are generally known]
go public
1
:
to make something known to many people
:
to make something generally known by announcing it, publishing it, etc.
2
:
to offer shares or stock that can be freely traded on the open market
in the public eye
—
see 1eye
2
public
/ˈpʌblɪk/
noun
Britannica Dictionary definition of PUBLIC
[singular]
1
the public
:
the people of a country, state, etc.
-
the American public
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The beach is open to the public.
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(US) The public is angry with the President = (Brit) The public are angry with the President.
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The general public is in favor of the law.
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Members of the public called for the mayor's resignation.
2
:
a group of people who have a shared interest, quality, etc.
in public
:
in a place where you can be seen by many people
:
in a public place