Popularize: meaning, definitions and examples

Use when making something well-known or widely accepted, especially among general public.

• The scientist helped to popularize complex theories by writing a book for general readers.
• This TV show has popularized many old songs.

Use when supporting or actively encouraging something to increase awareness, sales, or recognition.

• The company launched a new campaign to promote its products.
• Healthy eating habits are being promoted by the school.

Use when making something widely known through media or advertising, often in a professional or commercial setting.

• The charity event was publicized through various social media platforms.
• They hired a PR firm to publicize the new product launch.

Use to describe the general act of distributing or extending something over a large area or among many people. Often used in a neutral or informal context.

• Rumors can spread very quickly through social media.
• She helped to spread awareness about the cause.

Use in a formal context when spreading ideas or information, often with technical or scientific connotations.

• The researchers are working to propagate their findings through academic journals.
• These strategies were propagated through several training workshops.

Another standard American spelling of 'popularize'.

• Efforts to popularize the new software have been successful.
• He popularizes his travel stories through his blog.

This is the British English variant of 'popularize'. It carries the same meaning but is preferred in contexts involving British English.

• The author sought to popularise the historical figure through his books.
• The campaign was designed to popularise healthy eating habits.

This word means to actively support or publicize something in order to increase its popularity. It can pertain to products, events, ideas, or individuals. It is often used in marketing, business, and advocacy contexts.

• The company spent a lot of money to promote their new product.
• She travels around the country to promote environmental awareness.