Entry Word: mass

Function: noun

Meaning: 1 masses pluralthe body of the community as contrasted with the elite <the masses demanded the elimination of tax breaks for the rich>

Synonyms commoners, herd, mob, people, plebeians, populace, rank and file

Related Words proletariat, rabble, riffraff, scum, trash; bourgeoisie, middle class; public

Near Antonyms aristocracy, gentry, nobility, upper class, upper crust

Antonyms elite

2 a considerable amount <I have a mass of work to do tonight> — see lot 2
3 a distinct and separate portion of matter <a mass of leaves in a corner of the yard> — see body 2
4 the main or greater part of something as distinguished from its appendages <when taking pictures, focus your attention on the mass of the main subject> — see body 1