Popularity Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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popularity

[ˌpɒpjʊˈlærɪti ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

social media

The state or condition of being liked, admired, or supported by many people.

Synonyms

celebrity, fame, reputation, stardom.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
popularity	Generally used to describe the quality of being liked or admired by a large number of people. It is broad and can apply to anyone or anything that is well-received by the public. The new band quickly gained popularity among teenagers. Her popularity in the office is undeniable due to her friendly nature.
fame	Indicates widespread recognition, often for notable achievements. Fame can last for a long time and can be positive or negative depending on the reasons for its attainment. The scientist earned fame for her groundbreaking research. He is trying to cope with the sudden fame after his viral video.
reputation	Refers to the beliefs or opinions generally held about someone or something. It can be positive or negative and is often based on past actions or characteristics. She has a reputation for being very punctual and reliable. The company is working hard to improve its reputation after the scandal.
stardom	Specifically relates to the status of being a star, primarily in the entertainment industry. It implies a high level of fame and recognition, often achieved through talent and success. After years of struggling, she finally reached stardom with her latest album. The road to stardom requires immense dedication and hard work.
celebrity	Specifically refers to a famous person, especially in entertainment or sports. It signifies public recognition and often implies media attention. He became a celebrity after starring in that blockbuster movie. Celebrities often have to deal with paparazzi and public scrutiny.

Examples of usage

People are constantly seeking popularity on social media platforms.
Her posts went viral, boosting her popularity overnight.
Popularity can be a double-edged sword, bringing both praise and criticism.
Popularity often comes at the expense of authenticity.
His rise to popularity was meteoric, but short-lived.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

general

The state or condition of being popular or well-liked by a large number of people.

Synonyms

acceptance, approval, liking, populousness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
popularity	Used to describe the state of being widely admired, accepted, or sought after by many people. Common in discussions about public figures, trends, or consumer products. The singer's popularity skyrocketed after the release of her new album. Social media influencers often rely on their popularity to endorse products.
populousness	Refers to the state of having a large population; used to describe places rather than people or concepts. More technical and less commonly used in everyday speech. The populousness of the city has led to overcrowded public transport.
acceptance	Refers to the act of being received or approved by others, often indicating social or organizational inclusion. Can be used in formal contexts or personal scenarios. Her acceptance into the prestigious university was a moment of great pride for her family. The new policy has gained widespread acceptance among the employees.
approval	Indicates a positive opinion or permission from an authority or the general public. Often used in formal situations or when discussing regulatory processes. The project received approval from the board of directors. His actions were met with her approval.
liking	Describes a personal preference or fondness for something or someone. More informal and subjective than 'acceptance' or 'approval'. She has a liking for classical music. His liking for spicy food gradually grew over the years.

Examples of usage

His band gained popularity after their hit single was released.
Popularity can be fleeting and unpredictable.
The product's popularity soared after the marketing campaign.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Social Media

In today's world, social media platforms can make something or someone quickly popular, sometimes overnight.
The number of likes, shares, or followers on social media often indicates a person's or product's popularity.

Music Industry

Songs that climb to the top of charts, like the Billboard Hot 100, are typically referred to as popular music.
Musicians often create catchy tunes to increase their popularity and reach a larger audience.

Psychology

People often tend to like things that are popular due to a social phenomenon known as 'herd behavior.'
Popularity can affect people's opinions and choices—sometimes, people decide to like something because everyone else does.

Cultural Impact

Movies or books that become popular can influence fashion and trends, changing how people dress or behave.
Popularity can also bring attention to lesser-known issues or causes, as seen through viral campaigns.

Origin of 'popularity'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Latin 'popularis,' meaning 'of the people,' showing how it connects to what many people enjoy.
It first appeared in English around the late 15th century, originally referring to things that belonged to ordinary people.

The word 'popularity' originated in the mid-16th century from the Latin word 'popularis', meaning 'belonging to the people' or 'approved by the people'. Over time, the term evolved to represent the state of being well-liked or admired by a large group of individuals. In today's society, popularity often carries both positive and negative connotations, with individuals striving for it in various social contexts.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,558 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

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