Reading Theme:
Popular: Meaning, Examples, and Common Uses (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：widely liked (popular)
popular
/ˈpɑːpjələr/
adj.
Something that a lot of people like or enjoy.
widely liked
➕
/ˈwaɪdli laɪkt/
adj.
Describes someone or something that is liked, admired, or enjoyed by many people.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'populus' (people) + '-ar' (pertaining to); meaning 'of the people'.
💡 Mnemonic
Think of 'pop' as people; popular = people like it.
📖 Example
The new teacher is very popular because her classes are fun and easy to understand.
The new teacher is very popular because her classes are fun and easy to understand.
🔗 Collocations
popular with – liked by a particular group
popular among – liked by members of a group
highly popular – very much liked
🔄 Synonyms
liked (adj.) – enjoying favor or approval
well-liked (adj.) – liked by many people
fashionable (adj.) – following current trends or styles
🚫 Antonyms
unpopular (adj.) – not liked or enjoyed by many
disliked (adj.) – regarded with aversion
out-of-favor (adj.) – no longer popular or approved
🌱 Derivatives
popularity (n.) – the state of being liked by many
popularize (v.) – to make something popular
popularly (adv.) – in a way that is liked or accepted by many
📖 Cultural Story
Originates from Latin 'populus' (the people). In ancient Rome, 'popularis' referred to a politician favored by the common people. Today it means widely liked or accepted.
Meaning 2：common belief (popular)
popular
/ˈpɑːpjələr/
adj.
A belief or activity that is common among or accepted by many people in a group.
common belief
➕
/ˈkɒmən bɪˈliːf/
adj.
Refers to an idea, belief, or activity that is widely accepted or shared by many people in a society.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
There is a popular belief that drinking eight glasses of water a day is essential for health.
There is a popular belief that drinking eight glasses of water a day is essential for health.
🔗 Collocations
popular belief – an opinion held by many people
popular opinion – the view shared by most people
popular culture – the set of ideas and activities widely enjoyed by ordinary people
🔄 Synonyms
common (adj.) – occurring or appearing frequently
widespread (adj.) – found over a large area or affecting many people
prevalent (adj.) – widely existing or occurring
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
popularity (n.) – the state of being widely accepted
popularize (v.) – to make something widely accepted or known
popularly (adv.) – in a way that is widely believed or accepted
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