公論
Meanings
1
public opinion; public debate; fair criticism
Formal noun for opinion or criticism formed openly in society, often with a nuance of fairness or impartial public judgment. In everyday contexts, 世論 is usually the more common word for public opinion.
He appealed not only to the courts but also to public opinion.
Free reporting is essential for fostering healthy public debate.
Usage patterns
- 〈事〉について公論を待つto wait for public opinion on a matter
On this issue, we should first wait for public opinion.
- 公論に訴えるto appeal to public opinion
He appealed to public opinion to prove he was right.
- 天下の公論the public opinion of the whole nation (fixed phrase)
This is recognized as the settled public opinion of the whole nation.
- 公論に従うto abide by public opinion
The government revised its policy in accordance with public opinion.