Third Estate

B2 16+

Pronunciation: /θɝd ˈɛsteɪt/

Definitions of third estate

noun a class or order of society constituted by commoners, especially outside the clergy and the aristocracy

Example Sentences

A1 The third estate was made up of commoners in French society.

A2 During the French Revolution, the third estate demanded more representation in government.

B1 The third estate played a crucial role in the overthrow of the monarchy in France.

B2 The third estate's grievances led to the convening of the Estates-General in 1789.

C1 The third estate's demands for equality and representation ultimately sparked the French Revolution.

C2 The third estate's struggle for political power and rights was a key factor in shaping modern democracy.

Examples of third estate in a Sentence

formal In feudal France, the third estate consisted of commoners who were not part of the clergy or nobility.

informal The third estate was made up of regular people like farmers, merchants, and artisans.

slang Back in the day, the third estate was basically the 'working class' of France.

figurative The third estate symbolized the majority of the population who were often marginalized by the elite classes.

Grammatical Forms of third estate

plural

third estates

comparative

more third estate

superlative

most third estate

present tense

is the third estate

future tense

will be the third estate

perfect tense

has been the third estate

continuous tense

is being the third estate

singular

third estate

positive degree

third estate

infinitive

to be the third estate

gerund

being the third estate

participle

third estating

Origin and Evolution of third estate

First Known Use: 1250 year
Language of Origin: French
Story behind the word: The term 'third estate' originated in France during the Middle Ages.
Evolution of the word: Originally used to refer to the commoners or non-noble class in France, the term 'third estate' gained prominence during the French Revolution as a representation of the common people demanding political representation and equality.