Community vs. People — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 29, 2024
Community refers to a group with shared values or interests, whereas people generally denotes any group of individuals, regardless of shared characteristics.
Difference Between Community and People
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A community is often defined by the common interests, values, or location of its members, creating a sense of belonging and shared purpose. People, on the other hand, is a broader term that can refer to any group of individuals, such as the population of a country or attendees of an event, without implying any specific commonalities.
Communities are typically smaller subsets of people that engage with each other due to shared characteristics or goals, like a neighborhood or an online forum. Whereas people can be a large, diverse group with varying backgrounds, beliefs, and objectives.
The identity of a community is usually distinct, shaped by the collective experiences and interactions of its members. People, in contrast, can encompass a wide range of identities, often not unified around a particular set of experiences or goals.
Communities provide support and facilitate cooperation among members, which enhances social cohesion and mutual aid. People, however, as a general term, might not necessarily provide the same level of support and interaction among all members.
Communities often have defined roles for members, which can vary from leadership positions to general participants, contributing to the community's structure and function. People as a group may not have such clearly defined roles or structures, reflecting a more general and less organized collective.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A group sharing common interests or values
Any group of individuals
Scale
Typically smaller, more defined
Can be large and varied
Identity
Strong, based on shared experiences
Broad and diverse
Interaction among members
High, with specific roles and cooperation
Variable, often less structured
Purpose
Unified around common goals or characteristics
No specific common goals or characteristics
Compare with Definitions
Community
A group of people living in the same place or having a particular characteristic in common.
The local community was heavily involved in the school's decisions.
People
The citizens of a country, especially when considered in relation to those who govern them.
The people have voiced their opinion through the recent election.
Community
A body of people or things viewed collectively.
The scientific community has debated this theory for decades.
People
Human beings in general or considered collectively.
The park was filled with people enjoying the sunny day.
Community
The condition of sharing or having certain attitudes and interests in common.
The sense of community in small towns is often very strong.
People
Individuals making up a group or assembly.
People from all walks of life attended the concert.
Community
A group of nations having common interests.
The international community must act together to solve global issues.
People
The members of a particular nation, community, or ethnic group.
The Indigenous people of the area have a rich cultural heritage.
Community
A feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals.
The forum fostered a strong sense of community among its users.
People
A group of people within a particular area or place.
There were 20 people at the meeting.
Community
A community is a social unit (a group of living things) with commonality such as norms, religion, values, customs, or identity. Communities may share a sense of place situated in a given geographical area (e.g.
People
A people is a plurality of persons considered as a whole, as is the case with an ethnic group, nation or the public of a polity.
Community
A group of people living in the same locality and under the same government.
People
The members of a particular nation, community, or ethnic group
The native peoples of Canada
Community
The district or locality in which such a group lives.
People
The supporters or employees of a person in a position of power or authority
I've had my people watching the house for some time now
Community
A group of people having common interests
The scientific community.
The international business community.
People
(of a group of people) inhabit (a place)
An arid mountain region peopled by warring clans
Community
A group viewed as forming a distinct segment of society
The gay community.
The community of color.
People
Humans considered as a group or in indefinite numbers. Often treated as a plural of person, alone and in compounds
People were dancing in the street. I met all sorts of people. This book is not intended for laypeople.
Community
Similarity or identity
A community of interests.
People
The mass of ordinary persons; the populace. Used with the
"those who fear and distrust the people, and wish to draw all powers from them into the hands of the higher classes" (Thomas Jefferson).
Community
Sharing, participation, and fellowship
A sense of community.
People
A body of persons living in the same country under one national government; a nationality.
Community
Society as a whole; the public.
People
The citizens of a political unit, such as a nation or state; the electorate. Used with the.
Community
A group of organisms interacting with one another and with the environment in a specific region.
People
Pl. peo·ples A body of persons sharing a common religion, culture, or language
The peoples of central Asia.
Community
The region occupied by a group of interacting organisms.
People
Persons with regard to their residence, class, profession, or group
City people.
Farming people.
Community
(countable) A group sharing a common understanding, and often the same language, law, manners, and/or tradition.
People
Persons subordinate to or loyal to a ruler, superior, or employer
The manager would like to introduce you to our people in the regional office.
Community
(countable) A residential or religious collective; a commune.
People
A person's family, relatives, or ancestors
Where are your people from?.
Community
A group of interdependent organisms inhabiting the same region and interacting with each other.
People
(Informal) Animals or other beings distinct from humans
Rabbits and squirrels are the furry little people of the woods.
Community
A group of people interacting by electronic means for educational, professional, social, or other purposes; a virtual community.
People
To settle or inhabit with people; populate.
Community
(uncountable) The condition of having certain attitudes and interests in common.
People
To be present in or on (a place)
"The stores ... are peopled by serious shoppers" (Perri Klass).
Community
Common enjoyment or possession; participation.
A community of goods
People
Used as plural of person; a body of human beings considered generally or collectively; a group of two or more persons.
There were so many people at the restaurant last night.
Community
Common character; likeness.
People
(countable) Persons forming or belonging to a particular group, such as a nation, class, ethnic group, country, family, etc.
Community
Commonness; frequency.
People
A group of persons regarded as being employees, followers, companions or subjects of a ruler.
Community
A local area within a county or county borough which is the lowest tier of local government, usually represented by a community council or town council, which is generally equivalent to a civil parish in England.
People
One's colleagues or employees.
Community
Common possession or enjoyment; participation; as, a community of goods.
The original community of all things.
An unreserved community of thought and feeling.
People
A person's ancestors, relatives or family.
My people lived through the Black Plague and the Thirty Years War.
Community
A body of people having common rights, privileges, or interests, or living in the same place under the same laws and regulations; as, a community of monks. Hence a number of animals living in a common home or with some apparent association of interests.
Creatures that in communities exist.
People
The mass of a community as distinguished from a special class (elite); the commonalty; the populace; the vulgar; the common crowd; the citizens.
Community
Society at large; a commonwealth or state; a body politic; the public, or people in general.
Burdens upon the poorer classes of the community.
People
Plural of person.
Community
Common character; likeness.
The essential community of nature between organic growth and inorganic growth.
People
(transitive) To stock with people or inhabitants; to fill as with people; to populate.
Community
Commonness; frequency.
Eyes . . . sick and blunted with community.
People
(intransitive) To become populous or populated.
Community
A group of people living in a particular local area;
The team is drawn from all parts of the community
People
(transitive) To inhabit; to occupy; to populate.
Community
A group of people having ethnic or cultural or religious characteristics in common;
The Christian community of the apostolic age
He was well known throughout the Catholic community
People
To interact with people; to socialize.
Community
Common ownership;
They shared a community of possessions
People
The body of persons who compose a community, tribe, nation, or race; an aggregate of individuals forming a whole; a community; a nation.
Unto him shall the gathering of the people be.
The ants are a people not strong.
Before many peoples, and nations, and tongues.
Earth's monarchs are her peoples.
A government of all the people, by all the people, for all the people.
Community
A group of nations having common interests;
They hoped to join the NATO community
People
Persons, generally; an indefinite number of men and women; folks; population, or part of population; as, country people; - sometimes used as an indefinite subject or verb, like on in French, and man in German; as, people in adversity.
People were tempted to lend by great premiums.
People have lived twenty-four days upon nothing but water.
Community
The body of people in a learned occupation;
The news spread rapidly through the medical community
People
The mass of community as distinguished from a special class; the commonalty; the populace; the vulgar; the common crowd; as, nobles and people.
And strive to gain his pardon from the people.
Community
Agreement as to goals;
The preachers and the bootleggers found they had a community of interests
People
One's ancestors or family; kindred; relations; as, my people were English.
Community
A district where people live; occupied primarily by private residences
People
To stock with people or inhabitants; to fill as with people; to populate.
As the gay motes that people the sunbeams.
Community
(ecology) a group of interdependent organisms inhabiting the same region and interacting with each other
People
(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively;
Old people
There were at least 200 people in the audience
People
The body of citizens of a state or country;
The Spanish people
People
The common people generally;
Separate the warriors from the mass
Power to the people
People
Members of a family line;
His people have been farmers for generations
Are your people still alive?
People
Fill with people or supply with inhabitants;
People a room
The government wanted to populate the remote area of the country
People
Make one's home or live in;
She resides officially in Iceland
I live in a 200-year old house
These people inhabited all the islands that are now deserted
The plains are sparsely populated
Common Curiosities
Can people belong to multiple communities?
Yes, individuals can belong to multiple communities based on different interests or aspects of their identity.
What is the difference between a society and a community?
A society is larger and more complex than a community, often encompassing many different communities with various purposes.
What defines a community?
A community is defined by shared attributes like location, interests, or values among its members.
How does the concept of people differ from community in terms of size?
The term "people" can refer to a much larger and more diverse group than "community," which is generally more specific and cohesive.
How do communities impact individual behavior?
Communities often influence individual behavior through norms, shared values, and the support system they provide.
What are the benefits of being part of a community?
Benefits include support, a sense of belonging, and shared resources and knowledge.
How do people form a community?
People form a community through shared experiences, common goals, or mutual interests that bind them together.
What roles do individuals play in a community?
Individuals in a community may take on specific roles, such as leadership, organizational, or participatory roles, contributing to the community's goals.
Is a community always geographically based?
No, communities can also be formed around interests, professions, or online platforms, not just geographic locations.
Can the term "people" refer to animals or non-human entities?
Typically, "people" refers to human beings, though colloquially, it can sometimes include animals in a playful or affectionate context.
How does one become a member of a community?
Membership can be based on residency, participation, or shared interests, depending on the community's nature.
Can a person be part of a community but feel isolated?
Yes, even within a community, individuals can feel isolated if their personal experiences or beliefs differ significantly from the majority.
Why is community important in society?
Communities are crucial for social cohesion, support, and the personal development of their members.
What is the role of culture in a community?
Culture shapes a community's practices, rituals, and norms, helping define its identity and cohesion.
How do demographics affect the composition of a community?
Demographics such as age, ethnicity, and socio-economic status can significantly influence the structure and dynamics of a community.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
