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

Practice with vocabulary public

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The city council held a meeting to discuss the new park project, inviting input from the _______.
  2. Many countries rely on the _______ sector to provide essential services like healthcare and education.
  3. After years of dedicated research, the scientist decided to share her findings for the _______ good, hoping to inspire future generations.
  4. Ensuring _______ access to clean water and sanitation remains a key goal for international development organizations worldwide.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (there may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. Which of the following phrases correctly refers to services provided by the government or state for all citizens? a) Private amenities b) Individual utilities c) Public services d) Personal facilities

  2. If information is made available for anyone to see or know about, it is considered: a) Exclusive b) Covert c) Confidential d) Open e) Accessible f) Public

  3. The proposed policy generated significant _______ discussion and scrutiny, leading to widespread debate among citizens. a) Individual b) Secluded c) Public d) Restricted

  4. Which word best describes a feeling or opinion shared by a group of people, often about a social or political issue? a) Solitary b) Collective c) Personal d) Isolated

  5. To demonstrate commitment to ethical governance, organizations are encouraged to maintain _______ financial records, allowing stakeholders to review their spending. a) Obscure b) Secret c) Opaque d) Transparent

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The government aims to provide services such as healthcare and education to all citizens. (Rewrite using "public" or a related word form.)

  2. Information about the company's financial performance was released for everyone to see. (Rewrite using "public" or a related word form.)

  3. The widespread understanding of climate change is growing rapidly. (Rewrite without using "public" or any of its forms.)

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The city council held a meeting to discuss the new park project, inviting input from the public.
  2. Many countries rely on the public sector to provide essential services like healthcare and education.
  3. After years of dedicated research, the scientist decided to share her findings for the common good, hoping to inspire future generations.
  4. Ensuring universal access to clean water and sanitation remains a key goal for international development organizations worldwide.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. c) Public services
  2. d) Open, e) Accessible, f) Public
  3. c) Public
  4. b) Collective
  5. d) Transparent

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The government aims to provide essential public services to all citizens.
  2. The company's financial performance was made public.
  3. Societal awareness of climate change is growing rapidly.

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