■ adjective
1》 of, concerning, or open to the people as a whole.
↘involved in the affairs of the community, especially in government or entertainment: a ~ figure.
2》 done, perceived, or existing in open view.
3》 of or provided by the state rather than an independent commercial company.
■ noun ( the ~ ) [treated as sing. or plural ] ordinary people in general; the community.
↘[with modifier ] a section of the community with a shared interest or activity: the reading ~.
Phrases
go ~
1》 become a ~ company.
2》 reveal details about a previously private concern.
in ~ in view of other people; when others are present.
Derivatives
~ly adverb
Origin
ME: from OFr., from L. ~us , blend of poplicus 'of the people' and pubes 'adult'.