What is public? Pronunciation and usage in English

public means . Learn how to pronounce and use public through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of public

publicadjective/noun

/ˈpʌblɪk/
Definition & pronunciation of public

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "public." It can be tricky for non-native speakers! Here's a breakdown:

The most common pronunciation is:

  • /ˈpʌblik/ (This is the American English pronunciation)

Let's break that down syllable by syllable:

  1. "pub": This is pronounced like "puh" (as in "cup"). It’s a short, unstressed vowel sound. Think of it almost like a quick "uh" sound.

  2. "lic": This is pronounced like "lik" (as in "bike"). It's a clear, short "l" sound.

Putting it together:

Say it slowly: “puh-blih-k”

Key Points:

  • Stress: The stress is on the first syllable ("puh"). That's what makes the pronunciation different from "publicity" (where the stress is on the second syllable).

  • Short Vowels: Both syllables use short vowel sounds. Don't over-emphasize the vowels.

Here's how it sounds (use these resources to hear the pronunciation):

Do you want me to:

  • Give you some example sentences using "public"?
  • Explain the difference in pronunciation between American and British English (there's a slight difference)?

Usage and examples with the word public in English

Let's break down how to use the word "public" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with multiple meanings! Here's a breakdown categorized by how you can use it:

1. Relating to the People (Most Common)

  • Definition: This is the most frequent usage. It refers to something that concerns or is available to everyone, not just a selected group.
  • Examples:
    • "The public has a right to know about this issue." (Relating to the general population)
    • "He gave a public speech." (Shared with a large audience)
    • "The public park is open to all." (Accessible to everyone)
    • "The public opinion is strongly against the new law." (What the people generally think)
    • “A public service announcement” (An advert aimed at the general public)

2. Government and Official Matters

  • Definition: Referring to something connected with the government or a government agency.
  • Examples:
    • "The public school system."
    • "A public official."
    • "He works for the public sector.” (Government employment)
    • "A public hearing." (An official meeting where the public can comment)

3. Belonging to the Community/Shared

  • Definition: Something that’s shared or owned by a group of people.
  • Examples:
    • "A public library." (Managed and used by the community)
    • "A public swimming pool."
    • "A public square." (A space for community gatherings)
    • "The public domain" (Works that aren’t protected by copyright and are available to all)

4. Adjective - "Public" (Describing Something)

  • Definition: Used to describe something that is open and available to everyone.
  • Examples:
    • "a public figure" (Someone well-known)
    • "a public transport system” (A system available for everyone to use)
    • "a public display" (Something shown openly)
    • “He made a public apology.” (An apology given to many people)

5. As a Noun – “The Public” (Referring to the People)

  • Definition: Refers to the general population as a group.
  • Examples:
    • “The public responded positively to the campaign.”
    • “The government needs to consider the needs of the public.”

Key Differences & Synonyms

  • Private vs. Public: "Private" means secret or restricted; "public" means open and accessible.
  • General vs. Public: "General" is broad, but "public" specifically implies something shared by a community.

Tips for Using "Public" Correctly:

  • Context is key: The meaning of “public” depends heavily on the sentence.
  • Pay attention to the noun it modifies: What is being described as “public”?

Could you give me an example sentence or situation where you’d like to use “public”? I can then help you tailor the word to fit the context perfectly! For example, are you writing about:

  • A political issue?
  • A place to visit?
  • A person’s career?

Synonyms for the word public

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