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public · adjective /ˈpʌb.lɪk/Full view
Nouns: public, publication, publicist, publicity
Adjectives: public
Verbs: publicize
Adverbs: publicly
public (GOVERNMENT)
B1 provided by the government from taxes to be available to everyone
Dictionary examples:

public schools/education

a public library

Learner example:

If you want to join us, we'll meet at 7 pm in front of [the] public library. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Japanese)

public (PEOPLE)
B2 relating to or involving people in general, rather than being limited to a particular group of people
Dictionary examples:

Public opinion has turned against him.

Is it really in the public interest to publish this information?

We need to increase public awareness of the need to get a flu shot.

The results will not be made public until tomorrow.

We will not go public with the results until tomorrow.

Learner example:

I would like to add that when it comes to public opinion there is a great variety of different points of view - that is why this article, which asserts that "performers were second-rate,'' seems to be unfair. (First Certificate in English; B2; Russian)

a public announcement/appearance/statement, etc.
C2 an announcement/appearance/statement, etc. that can be seen or heard or known by everyone
Dictionary example:

The governor is due to make a public statement later today.

Learner example:

Therefore, Gonzalo never attempted to make a public statement to defend himself and underestimated the harm it could cause to his public image. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Spanish)

make sth public
C2 to allow everyone to know about something
Dictionary example:

The government does not plan to make its findings public.

Learner example:

According to the scientific method of research, one should only make a discovery or conclusion public after deep testing and, even after th[at], this fact sh[ould] never be taken as the most complete and definitive truth about any given subject. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Portuguese)

public · noun /ˈpʌb.lɪk/
Nouns: public, publication, publicist, publicity
Adjectives: public
Verbs: publicize
Adverbs: publicly
the public
B1 all ordinary people
Dictionary examples:

The public has a right to know about this.

The park is open to the public until sunset.

When will the book be available to the general public?

Members of the public were asked about their shopping habits.

Learner example:

That is great, because [during] this season a lot of towns usually celebrate and have parties in which you can dance, drink, eat and do one of the several activities that they offer to the public. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Spanish)

in public
B2 in a place where other people, especially people you do not know, can hear you and see what you are doing
Dictionary example:

He shouldn't behave like that in public.

Learner example:

This shyness makes it hard for me to speak in public, or even to go out with my friends as often as I should. (First Certificate in English; B2; Spanish)

be in the public eye
C1 to be famous and often featured in the media
Dictionary example:

Her new role means that she will be in the public eye.

Learner example:

But being famous also means that you are always in the public eye, which is a major drawback. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; German)

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