Peasant
'pezənt
Definitions
A member of a traditional class of farmers, either tenants or owners of small farms.
'pezənt
A person in a rural area who works as a farmer or agricultural laborer, often in a low social class.
The peasants worked the fields from dawn till dusk.
💡 Simply: Imagine a farmer who works the land, growing crops and raising animals. They might be someone living in a village, working hard for their family. Think of someone in a history book! They might be called a peasant.
👶 For kids: A peasant is like a farmer who grows food and lives in the countryside, usually in a simple house.
More Examples
The government implemented policies to improve the living conditions of the peasants.
During the revolution, the peasants rose up against the ruling class.
How It's Used
"The peasants of medieval Europe often lived in poverty and were subject to the control of feudal lords."
"The novel depicted the hard life of the peasants toiling in the fields under the scorching sun."
Idioms & expressions
peasant uprising
A revolt or rebellion led by peasants against a ruling class or authority.
"The peasant uprising was fueled by widespread poverty and oppression."
From Old French *paisant* 'country dweller', from *pais* 'country', from Latin *pagus* 'rural district'. Historically referred to agricultural laborers and those of low social status.
The term 'peasant' was widely used in historical texts to describe agricultural workers and those in lower social strata.
Memory tip
Picture a person working the land, someone tied to the earth and its harvests; remember 'pea-z-ant' for earth-bound people.
Word Origin
"country dweller, from *pais* (country) and Latin *pagus* (rural district)"