Word
public domain
Definitions
01copyright status
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun Law Technical
n. the state of creative works that are no longer protected by copyright, so anyone can use them for free.
n. the status of creative works whose intellectual property rights have expired, been forfeited, or are inapplicable.
“Since the book is now in the public domain, you can download it for free.”
“The studio confirmed that the original character design had entered the public domain, allowing independent creators to use it without licensing fees.”
Usage
Usually follows the preposition 'in'.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02general knowledge
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. information or facts that are known by the general public and are not a secret.
n. the state of being known by the general public; information that is no longer confidential or private.
“Details of the company's financial problems are now in the public domain.”
“Once the sensitive documents were leaked to the press, the details of the merger were firmly in the public domain.”
Usage
Usually follows the preposition 'in'.
Synonyms
Antonyms
03public land
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Law American English · Technical
n. land that is owned by the government or the people rather than a private owner.
n. land owned by the state or the public, particularly in the United States, which is not subject to private ownership.
“The hikers spent the weekend exploring the vast public domain in the west.”
“The federal government manages millions of acres of public domain, balancing the needs of conservation with those of local ranchers.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
Etymology
Derived from the French phrase domaine public, which appeared in legal treatises regarding the status of property. The English term is a calque formed from the Latin publicus, pertaining to the people, and dominium, signifying lordship or right of ownership.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/public-domain