populace

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "populace" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the word "populace" to refer to a large segment of the population, typically the general public. For example, "The populace of the town had mixed opinions about the controversial issue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The practice became a convenient way of hiding dissenting voices from the rest of the Soviet populace during the Brezhnev years.

The Guardian

Slovakia's goal is to unite its populace in a widespread respect for taxes – an ambition that may be out of reach for America, which is far more sprawling and harbors dedicated tax resisters.

The Guardian - Money

Who would have thought that a couple of bearded neo-hippies living in tents outside a cathedral in Belfast might just become more loved and respected by a populace disgusted over the banks' reckless lending rather than a billionaire businessman once seen as the personification of Celtic Tiger Man.

The Guardian

The trouble was that those in the 1936 phone book were not a random sample, they were disproportionately well-to-do, and so probably paying more for – and getting less out of – the New Deal than the American populace as a whole.

The Guardian - Opinion

They too expressed dismay over the premier seemingly blaming the general populace for the mad-greed laden years of Celtic Tiger prosperity.

The Guardian

The evidence from the streets of Dublin city centre, and other parts of the city among less vocal, middle of the road Irish citizens this week, was that the populace may hate the austerity measures in the budget but are likely to accept four years of fiscal pain because they believe there is no alternative.

The Guardian

Republicans in the statehouse and the general populace crossed lines to remove Brownback, but he managed a win by a margin not much larger than the number of voters thwarted at the polls by new voter-ID laws.

The Guardian

But a shrinking populace is perhaps a greater challenge than any problems with Russia.

The Guardian

The leaders' debate was a reflection of the current face of Britain's politics and populace.

The Guardian

"Even a limited attack with these systems could cripple the…economy and panic the populace," noted General James Thurman, who commands the combined American and South Korean forces, in testimony to Congress in 2012.

The Economist

There, contrary to custom, no outdoor prayers were said.Repressive governments try to keep the populace happy with bread and circuses.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "populace" when you want to refer to the general public of a nation or region, particularly in contexts related to government, policy, or social trends. For example, "The government's policies aim to benefit the entire populace."

Common error

Avoid using "populace" interchangeably with "population". "Population" is a broader term referring to all inhabitants of a place, while "populace" often carries a connotation of the common people or general public, especially in a political or social context. "The city's population is diverse", but "The government must consider the needs of the entire populace".

Linguistic Context

The word "populace" primarily functions as a noun, referring to the common people or inhabitants of a country or region. Ludwig AI indicates that it correctly and appropriately refers to a large segment of the population, typically the general public.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

8%

Science

7%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "populace" refers to the common people or the inhabitants of a particular place, usually within a country or region. According to Ludwig AI, the word is grammatically correct and usable in written English. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts. While synonyms like "general public" or "the people" may be used interchangeably, "populace" carries a slightly more formal tone and often implies a collective identity in relation to political or social issues. A key point is to avoid confusing it with "population", which simply denotes the total number of inhabitants. Using "populace" accurately helps to convey a specific nuance when discussing societal matters.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

general public

This alternative emphasizes the accessibility and commonality of the people being referred to, moving away from the potentially detached tone of "populace".

the citizenry

This term highlights the rights and responsibilities of individuals within a political state, focusing on their role as active participants in society.

the inhabitants

This alternative simply refers to the people living in a particular place, without any additional connotations.

the nation

This phrase focuses on a group of people linked by geography, ethnicity, culture, or politics. It emphasizes unity and shared identity.

the community

This alternative emphasizes the social connections and shared interests of a group of people, typically living in the same area.

the residents

This term simply refers to people who live in a specific area, without any further implications about their social or political role.

the people

This is a general term that encompasses all individuals within a group, without any specific emphasis on their characteristics or relationships.

the folk

This alternative has a more informal and folksy tone, suggesting a sense of tradition and community.

the masses

This term often carries a connotation of a large, undifferentiated group of people, sometimes with a slightly negative or condescending tone.

the body politic

This is a more formal and metaphorical term that refers to the people as a whole, considered as a unified entity with shared political interests.

FAQs

How can I use "populace" in a sentence?

You can use "populace" to refer to the general public or the inhabitants of a particular place, especially when discussing political or social issues. For instance, "The government needs to address the concerns of the entire populace" or "The new law is designed to protect the rights of the populace".

What are some synonyms for "populace"?

Alternatives to "populace" include "general public", "the citizenry", "the inhabitants", and "the people". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "populace" a formal or informal term?

"Populace" is generally considered a more formal term. In casual conversation, it might be more natural to use phrases like "the public" or "the people". However, "populace" is appropriate for formal writing and speech, especially in political or academic contexts.

What is the difference between "populace" and "population"?

"Populace" and "population" are related but not interchangeable. "Population" refers to the total number of inhabitants in a given area. "Populace" refers more specifically to the common people or the general public, often with a focus on their social or political role. You might say, "The city has a population of one million", but "The government must listen to the concerns of the populace".