Peasant

Definition

Peasant primarily refers to a member of a class of persons who are small farmers or farm laborers of low social rank, especially in traditional or pre-industrial societies.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈpɛzənt/
• Respelling: PEZ-uhnt (with "PEZ" as in "pet," and "uhnt" as in "hunt")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈpɛzənt/
• Respelling: PEZ-uhnt (similar to American English, with "PEZ" as in "pet," and "uhnt" as in "hunt")

In both dialects, "peasant" is pronounced with the primary stress on the first syllable, "PEZ." The pronunciation remains consistent across both American and British English, focusing on the clear articulation of the "PEZ" part followed by a soft "uhnt."

Etymology

The term "peasant" comes from the Old French word "paisant" meaning "one from the pays, or countryside," which was derived from the Latin "pagus" signifying "country or rural district."

Derivatives

• Peasantry
• Peasantlike
• Peasantly
• Peasanthood
• Non-peasant

Synonyms

• Farmer
• Villein
• Rustic

Antonyms

• Noble
• Aristocrat
• Lord

Usage

Historically, "peasant" referred to individuals who worked the land and were considered to be of low social status. In modern times, it can also be used more broadly to refer to country people or those living a simple, rural life. It can sometimes carry a derogatory connotation when used to describe someone perceived as unrefined or unsophisticated.

Related Terms

• Serf
• Commoner
• Landworker
• Proletarian
• Agrarian

Detailed Definition

Noun

• A member of a traditional class of farmers, either laborers or owners of small farms, especially in the Middle Ages under feudalism, typically working the land as a tenant or laborer.
• Example: "Peasants were often obligated to give a portion of their crops to the local lord."

• An unpolished, unsophisticated, and uncultured person, often used derogatorily.
• Example: "He acted like a peasant, showing no manners at the formal dinner."

• A person who lives in the countryside; a rustic.
• Example: "The village was inhabited mostly by peasants who worked the surrounding fields."