Popular Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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popular

[ˈpɒpjʊlə ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

music

Liked, admired, or enjoyed by many people or by a particular person or group.

Synonyms

fashionable, trendy, well-liked.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
popular

Suitable for general contexts where something is favored or well-received by many people. It is neutral and can be used for anything from products to people.

  • Pizza is a popular food choice among kids.
  • The new movie became popular really quickly.
well-liked

Used to describe someone or something that is appreciated and liked by others, often in a personal or specific group setting.

  • She is well-liked by all her colleagues.
  • The new teacher is well-liked by the students.
fashionable

Best used in contexts related to current styles, clothing, and trends. Implies something is in style or considered stylish.

  • She always wears fashionable outfits to work.
  • Those sunglasses are really fashionable right now.
trendy

Used to describe something that is very current and follows the latest trends. Often used for fashion, technology, or behaviors. May suggest something that is temporary.

  • This restaurant is the trendiest spot in town.
  • He likes to keep up with trendy gadgets.

Examples of usage

  • It's one of the most popular songs of all time.
  • The band's new album is already proving to be very popular.
  • The movie was a huge hit and became very popular among audiences.
Context #2 | Adjective

social media

Having many followers on social media platforms.

Synonyms

celebrated, influential, well-known.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
popular

Describes something or someone liked by many people, generally used in general, everyday settings.

  • The brand is very popular among teenagers.
  • Pizza is a popular choice for dinner.
influential

Indicates the power to affect other people's opinions or actions, typically applied to people, movements, or works that have a significant impact.

  • Steve Jobs was an influential figure in the tech industry.
  • The band's new album is very influential in the music scene.
well-known

Describes something or someone recognized by many people, often used to describe people, facts, or things that are familiar to a large audience.

  • She's a well-known actress in Hollywood.
  • It’s a well-known fact that exercise is good for health.
celebrated

Refers to something or someone who is highly praised and honored, often used in formal or literary contexts.

  • The author is celebrated for her groundbreaking novels.
  • Einstein is a celebrated physicist.

Examples of usage

  • She is a popular influencer on Instagram.
  • The video went viral and made him a popular figure on Twitter.

Translations

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

Origin of 'popular'

The word 'popular' originated from the Latin word 'popularis', meaning 'belonging to the people'. It was first recorded in the 15th century in English and has since been used to describe things that are liked or enjoyed by many people or have a wide appeal.


See also: popularise, popularity, popularize, unpopular, unpopularity.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,245, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.