Mainstream Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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mainstream

[ˈmeɪnˌstriːm ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

media

The ideas, attitudes, or activities that are regarded as the most usual or typical of a particular society at a particular time.

Synonyms

common, conventional, popular.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
mainstream	Refers to the prevailing trends, attitudes, or activities that are widely accepted by the majority of people in a society at a particular time. Their music doesn't cater to mainstream tastes. Mainstream media often covers this kind of news extensively.
conventional	Indicates practices or things that are based on or conforming to what has generally been done or believed. Conventional medicine usually involves pharmaceutical treatments. The dress code for the event is quite conventional.
popular	Describes something that is liked by a large number of people, often implying a certain level of enthusiasm or affection. The new restaurant has become very popular among locals. She is popular in school because she is very friendly.
common	Used to describe something that is found frequently or shared by many people. It is common for students to feel stressed before exams. A cold is a common illness during winter.

Examples of usage

The movie was a huge hit, appealing to the mainstream audience.
His music is not mainstream, but it has a dedicated following.
The fashion industry is always influenced by mainstream trends.
The book explores the clash between mainstream culture and counterculture.
The mainstream media often shape public opinion.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

social media

To promote or make something popular by bringing it to the attention of the general public.

Synonyms

popularize, popularize, promote.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
mainstream	Used to describe ideas, attitudes, or activities that are regarded as normal or conventional; they are accepted by a majority of people. Streaming services have become the mainstream way of watching TV shows and movies. Electric cars are finally entering the mainstream market.
popularize	Often used when someone or something makes a concept, product, or activity well-known and liked by a large number of people, usually through active effort. The author’s book helped to popularize science fiction among teenagers. They aim to popularize healthy eating habits through their campaign.
promote	Used when actively supporting or encouraging a cause, venture, or aim to increase its visibility or growth. Often involves marketing or advocacy. The company spent millions to promote their new product. He is working hard to promote environmental awareness in the community.

Word

Description / Examples

mainstream

Used to describe ideas, attitudes, or activities that are regarded as normal or conventional; they are accepted by a majority of people.

Streaming services have become the mainstream way of watching TV shows and movies.
Electric cars are finally entering the mainstream market.

popularize

Often used when someone or something makes a concept, product, or activity well-known and liked by a large number of people, usually through active effort.

The author’s book helped to popularize science fiction among teenagers.
They aim to popularize healthy eating habits through their campaign.

promote

Used when actively supporting or encouraging a cause, venture, or aim to increase its visibility or growth. Often involves marketing or advocacy.

The company spent millions to promote their new product.
He is working hard to promote environmental awareness in the community.

Examples of usage

The company is trying to mainstream their new product through social media.
She successfully mainstreamed her music by collaborating with famous artists.
The campaign aims to mainstream awareness of environmental issues.
They hope to mainstream their cause through a series of events.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Impact

Many cultural movements, such as punk or hip-hop, started as alternatives before becoming mainstream.
Mainstream media often shapes societal views, influencing everything from fashion to political opinions.
The internet has altered the speed at which new ideas can transition from niche to mainstream.

Media & Entertainment

Mainstream cinema typically refers to big-budget films that attract a wide audience, often with big stars.
Television shows that achieve high ratings are considered mainstream, often leading to merchandise and fan followings.
The rise of streaming services has blurred the lines between mainstream and alternative media, allowing niche content to reach broader audiences.

Society

In societal contexts, mainstream refers to the prevailing norms and values held by the majority.
Mainstreaming in education means integrating students with special needs into regular classrooms.
Many social movements aim to bring alternative viewpoints into the mainstream discussion.

Psychology

Psychologically, fitting into the mainstream can lead to feelings of belonging, while deviation can evoke feelings of isolation.
Social conformity plays a role in the acceptance of mainstream ideas, with individuals often swayed by peer pressure.
The phenomenon of 'bandwagon effect' explains why people adopt behaviors or beliefs simply because they are popular.

Origin of 'mainstream'

Main points about word origin

The word 'mainstream' combines 'main,' meaning primary or most important, and 'stream,' referring to a flow or current.
It first appeared in the English language in the early 20th century to describe popular culture.
The term gained traction in the 1960s to describe music and art that is widely accepted or recognized.

The term 'mainstream' originated in the early 17th century from the Old English word 'mægenstrēam', meaning 'principal current or flow'. Over time, it evolved to refer to the prevailing current of thought, influence, or activity in society. The concept of mainstream has been widely used in various fields such as media, culture, and social trends to describe what is considered typical or dominant.

See also: main, mainland, mainly, mainstay.