1. (

• populace ,
• public ,
• world ,

) people in general considered as a whole; "he is a hero in the eyes of the public" ;

2. (

• public ,

) a body of people sharing some common interest; "the reading public" ;

1. (

• public

) not private; open to or concerning the people as a whole; "the public good"; "public libraries"; "public funds"; "public parks"; "a public scandal"; "public gardens"; "performers and members of royal families are public figures" ;

2. (

• public

) affecting the people or community as a whole; "community leaders"; "community interests"; "the public welfare" ;