The words “populace” and “populous” are often confused due to their similar sound and shared root related to population. However, they have different grammatical roles and meanings. This lesson will clarify the difference between “populace” and “populous” to help you use them correctly.
Populace
Definition:
“Populace” is a noun that refers to the common people or the general population of a specific area, city, or country.
Examples:
The city of Los Angeles has a huge and still growing populace.
The government made new policies to benefit the general populace.
The mayor addressed the concerns of the local populace during the meeting.
Populous
Definition:
“Populous” is an adjective that describes a place as being densely populated or having a large number of inhabitants.
Examples:
San Diego is a populous and growing southern California city.
Tokyo is one of the most populous cities in the world.
The populous region is known for its bustling streets and crowded markets.
Although “populace” and “populous” share a connection to population, they are used in different contexts. “Populace” is a noun referring to the people or population, while “populous” is an adjective used to describe a place that is densely populated. Knowing these distinctions will help you use these terms appropriately in both writing and conversation.
