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Meaning & use

average people

noun·Everyday

Last updated

UK/ˌævərɪdʒ ˈpiːpl/
US/ˌævərɪdʒ ˈpiːpl/

Meanings

  1. nounplural

    Ordinary people who are typical of most of the population, without special status or exceptional qualities.

    Grammar: Always plural; used to refer to people in general, not one person. The singular 'average person' is used for one individual.

    Patterns

    • average people in (a country)
    • the average person
    • average people like you and me

    The new tax law will mostly affect average people, not the wealthy.

    Average people often struggle to save enough for retirement.

    Politicians sometimes forget what life is like for average people.

  2. nounplural

    People who are neither very good nor very bad at something; ordinary in ability.

    Grammar: Used when comparing ability; contrasts with experts or top performers.

    Patterns

    • average people at (a skill)
    • average people in (a subject)

    The course is designed for average people who want to improve their English.

    Average people can run a mile in about ten minutes.

    Even average people can learn to play this song with practice.

Common combinations

ordinary people
Ordinary people are worried about rising prices.
the average person
The average person checks their phone many times a day.
average people like us
He said the policy would help average people like us.

Synonyms and how they differ

ordinary people
Very close in meaning; 'ordinary people' often contrasts with people who are rich or famous, while 'average people' focuses on being typical.
the general public
More formal and collective; refers to everyone rather than typical individuals.
common people
Can sound slightly old-fashioned or disapproving; 'average people' is more neutral.

Opposites

the elitecelebritiesexperts

Word family

average adjective
Typical or ordinary; not special.
average noun
The usual or middle level.
averagely adverb
In a typical or ordinary way.

Commonly confused: average people or average person?

average people vs average person

Singular; use it for one individual. 'Average people' is plural and refers to a group.

Practice

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