People meaning meaning Meaning

UK /ˈpiːpl/
US /ˈpiːpl/
Word Definition
people meaning meaning meaning

People meaning meaning Definition & Usage

noun

A group of human beings forming a community or a distinct group.

Examples

  • "The people of the town gathered in the square."
  • "People are generally happier in a peaceful environment."
  • "Many people are moving to cities in search of work."
  • "The people in this room have all been here for years."
  • "The people of France celebrate Bastille Day every year."
noun

Individuals as distinct from other forms of life or animals, often used when referring to humans in a more abstract sense.

Examples

  • "People are unique in their ability to reason."
  • "Most people find it difficult to stay motivated without a goal."
  • "He was surprised by the kindness of the people around him."
  • "The study focused on how people react to stress."
  • "I’ve met so many interesting people during my travels."
noun

The population of a specific area, such as a country, city, or region.

Examples

  • "The people of New York are known for their resilience."
  • "During the crisis, the people of the country stood united."
  • "The people of the village welcomed the new teacher with open arms."
  • "After the flood, many people in the affected areas needed immediate assistance."
  • "The people of the city are concerned about the new policy."
verb

To give birth to or create a group or collective, often used in the phrase 'people the world'.

Examples

  • "The king sought to people his kingdom with loyal subjects."
  • "The colony was peopled with settlers from the old world."
  • "The island is peopled by friendly locals who welcome visitors."
  • "The town was once peopled by artisans and merchants."
  • "New ideas and innovations have peopled the world of technology."

Cultural Context

The term 'people' has been in use for centuries in various forms, stemming from Old English 'peoplu', which is related to the Proto-Germanic *þeudō, meaning 'folk' or 'nation'. The modern use of the word reflects its deep historical roots in identifying human beings as distinct from other creatures and grouping them into communities.

The Town That Found Itself

Story

The Town That Found Itself

In the small town of Harrowsville, the people lived simple lives, working in the fields, supporting one another, and cherishing their traditions. But as the years passed, the town found itself increasingly divided. Newcomers from the city brought fresh ideas, yet their ways seemed strange to the older generation who had lived there all their lives. One afternoon, a group of people gathered in the town square to discuss the upcoming harvest festival. As they argued over whether to stick to traditional practices or try something new, the younger generation began to feel as though they no longer belonged in a town that had once been their home. The older folks felt similarly alienated, wondering if the 'new people' could ever understand the importance of their customs. Maggie, a young teacher who had recently moved to Harrowsville, stood up to address the crowd. 'People of Harrowsville, we all have something in common, something that binds us together,' she said, her voice steady but filled with emotion. 'It doesn’t matter if we’re new or old; we are all part of this town, this community, and this tradition.' The crowd grew silent. After a long pause, old Mr. Jenkins, who had been living in the town since it was founded, stood up. 'She’s right,' he said, his voice crackling with age. 'The people of Harrowsville have always worked together. This new generation, they’re part of us now.' And with that, the tension in the square began to melt away, as the people of Harrowsville found a way to bring their differences together and make the festival one that everyone could be proud of. The town had always been known for its unity, and now, more than ever, it was clear that the strength of a community lay in its ability to adapt, embrace change, and welcome all people—old and new—into its fold.

The Town That Found Itself