Popularity: Definition, Usage & Common Examples

Meaning 1：widespread appeal (popularity)

popularity 🔊

/ˌpɒp.jəˈlær.ə.ti/

How well-liked, admired, or supported by a lot of people someone or something is.

Popularity illustrated by a pop singer connecting with a huge, adoring crowd at a concert.

widespread appeal 🔊

➕

/ˌwaɪd.spred əˈpiːl/

The state or condition of being liked, admired, or supported by a large number of people.

📁 Category：Entertainment & Sports 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'popularis' (of the people) + '-ity' (noun-forming suffix).

💡 Mnemonic

Think of 'pop' music loved by many, plus '-ularity' sounding like 'you'll love it'.

📖 Example

The short-video app gained immense popularity among teenagers almost overnight. 🔊 The short-video app achieved very great widespread appeal among teenagers almost instantly.

🔗 Collocations

gain popularity – to become liked or supported by more people

enjoy popularity – to be currently well-liked or in favor

peak in popularity – to reach the highest point of being liked

🔄 Synonyms

fame (n.) – the state of being known by many people, often for achievements

renown (n.) – widespread fame and respect for accomplishments

acclaim (n.) – public praise and enthusiastic approval

🚫 Antonyms

unpopularity (n.) – the state of not being liked or supported by many people

obscurity (n.) – the state of being unknown or unnoticed

disrepute (n.) – the state of being held in low public esteem

🌱 Derivatives

popular (adj.) – liked, admired, or enjoyed by many people

popularize (v.) – to make something liked or known by many people

popularly (adv.) – by many or most people; generally

📖 Cultural Story

Originating from Latin 'populus' (the people), 'popularis' described things pertaining to the common people. It entered English via French in the late 15th century. In modern culture, it is a key metric in social media, entertainment, and politics, quantifying public approval.