What does everyman mean?
"Everyman" is a noun denoting an ordinary person — someone viewed as representative of average human experience rather than exceptional talent, wealth, or power. The word originates from the English morality play "Everyman", written around the turn of the 16th century, whose unnamed protagonist stands for all humankind confronting death and judgment. From this literary source, "everyman" broadened into everyday usage to describe relatable, unremarkable characters and figures. It is often applied to fictional protagonists through whom audiences can readily see themselves, to politicians or celebrities who cultivate an image of ordinariness, or to anyone embodying the common experience. The term carries warm, sympathetic connotations of humility and accessibility rather than mediocrity. When used in reference to the play itself, it is capitalized. Related expressions include "the man in the street" and "the common man", though "everyman" retains a slightly more literary flavor.
nounAn ordinary person, typically one regarded as typical or representative of ordinary humanity. Also the protagonist of the early 16th-century morality play of that name, who stands for all humankind.
- An ordinary person regarded as representative of common humanity.
- The title character of the late 15th/early 16th-century English morality play 'Everyman', symbolizing all mankind.
"The novel's hero is an everyman caught up in extraordinary circumstances."
"Despite being a billionaire, he managed to come across as an everyman."
"In the play Everyman, the protagonist must account for his life when Death comes calling."
Rarely used; "everyman" is most often treated as a singular generic noun even when referring to multiple people.
"The film is full of ordinary everymen thrust into heroic roles."
The name comes from a medieval morality play in which Death summons a character literally called 'Everyman' — and audiences for over 500 years have recognized themselves in him.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of everyman
The word "everyman" derives directly from the phrase "every man", first established by the anonymous late 15th- or early 16th-century English morality play "Everyman", in which the central character represents all of humanity. The play itself was based on a Dutch work, "Elckerlijc". Over time the name became generalized in lowercase form to mean any ordinary, representative human being, and it remains in active use today both as a common noun and in reference to the original drama.
How everyman is actually used
"Everyman" is usually used attributively or predicatively without an article in adjectival use (e.g. 'an everyman quality'). It carries a generally positive, sympathetic connotation of relatability and humility. The literary sense referring to the morality play is capitalized.
Easily confused with everyman
"Everyone" means all people collectively, while "everyman" means a single typical or representative ordinary person.
"Everman" is not a standard English word; the correct form is "everyman," spelled with a 'y'.