people - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
people Word Meanings
- groups of individuals belonging to a certain nation or ethnicity
- the common individuals of a community or society
- various distinct ethnic groups or communities
people Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
people Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈpiːpəl/
US
/ˈpipəl/
people Word Etymology
Root decomposition: 'people' from Latin 'populus' (people). Historical origin: Latin → Old French 'pople' → English. Memory image: Imagine a vibrant marketplace filled with diverse groups of people, each representing their unique culture, symbolizing the richness of humanity's tapestry.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
I step into a crowded hallway and push gently to find a small space among the people. Keeping my balance, I move with the flow, watching how the people turn and settle into the rhythm. I adjust my stance, and I let the voices and laughter fill the car as I hold my course. By the time we reach the next stop, the people around me feel less like faces and more like a shared moment we all move through.
Real Context
People is a plural noun that refers to human beings in general, but it is also used to name the members of a nation or ethnic group. You can say 'the American people' or 'the people of Japan' to refer to a national or cultural community, not to a single person. In everyday talk, 'people' can describe individuals in a community: 'Many people enjoy walking in the park.' The plural form is already 'people' (the singular is 'person'). When you want to highlight multiple distinct groups, you may use 'peoples' to refer to several nations or cultures, as in 'the peoples of Africa and Europe.' Etymology: from Latin populus, via Old French 'pople' to English.
Usage Reminders
- Remember: (1) 'People' is already plural; do not add a s. (2) Compare with 'person' for a single individual. (3) Use 'peoples' only when listing multiple distinct nations or cultures. (4) 'The people' often refers to citizens of a country, not every individual. (5) 'People of' is followed by a place or group name. (6) Coordinate with verbs in a plural form.
Common Misconceptions
- People is always singular when talking about a group as a unit
- Using 'a people' to mean a nation
- Confusing 'peoples' with 'people' in all contexts
- Assuming 'people' refers to only adults
- Mistaking 'the people' for a specific person rather than a group
Thinking Differences
English often treats people as a general, countable crowd in everyday speech, while many languages mark collective groups differently. Learners may over- or under- count, confuse 'people' with 'person', or skip the 'peoples' distinction when listing multiple nations.
Learning Tips
- Learn the two main plural senses: people as humanity and people as residents of a country.
- Remember the singular form is person, not people.
- Use peoples when you want to contrast multiple distinct groups.
- Pair with verbs in the plural: People are (not is) surprised.
- Practice phrases like the people of + place.
- Mind collocations: many people, a lot of people, the people in charge.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'people'?
A.Buildings
B.Animals
C.Plants
D.Citizens
Step 2: Usage
In which of the following sentences is 'people' used correctly?
A.The people flew in the sky.
B.The dog chased the people.
C.The people grew on the farm.
D.The people barked loudly.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which of the following is a similar word to 'people'?
A.Individuals
B.Monsters
C.Aliens
D.Robots
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'people'?
A.Buildings
B.Animals
C.Plants
D.Inanimate objects
Step 5: Mastery
In what real-life context would you use the word 'people'?
A.At a family gathering
B.In a book about dinosaurs
C.At a zoo
D.During a cooking class
Related Listening
🌱 Lite (Beginner)
🔥 Advanced
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